FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Wild - Game 76 - 2023

FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Wild – Game 76 – 2023

Franchise Sports Media

Vegas Golden Knights (47-22-7)  | Minnesota Wild  (44-23-9)

 

The Vegas Golden Knights maintain the lead in the Pacific Division after holding down the Minnesota Wild, 4-1.  

The Golden Knights vs Wild start of the first period.

The chase for the Pacific Division crown remains close between the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings. So far, Vegas has already clinched a playoff spot, and adding some extra momentum heading into the postseason is the plan now. A win over the Minnesota Wild 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena was just what the doctor ordered.

The win for Vegas still puts them atop first place in the Pacific with 101 points. It’s the second time in the franchise’s six-year history that the Golden Knights have reached 100 points, and they are the first Western Conference team to hit that mark this season.

“We stuck with our game,” Jack Eichel said. “Obviously, they came out and got that goal early, but we responded well. I thought we played a good 60 minutes. … We got some scoring and we played a good third period. It’s two points. It’s a big win.”

Vegas goaltender Laurent Brossoit allowed an early goal but finished the game with 31 saves as he tries to be the starting goaltender when the playoffs start.

“Anytime you can get a few saves under your belt in the first period, it transfers through the rest of the game. It happened tonight,” Brossoit said. “I want to be the guy. I’m just looking to keep performing like this and keep building and building.”

Injuries have been the Achilles Heel for the Golden Knights, especially in the goaltender department. With Logan Thompson out so far, Laurent Brossoit and Jonathan Quick are holding down the net.

Brossoit, a nine-year NHL veteran, is one of five goalies to record multiple victories for the Golden Knights because of injuries and recently returned from a lower-body injury that cost him 13 games.

“Obviously, I want to be the guy,” Brossoit said, “and just kind of look to keep performing like this and just keep building and building.”

Chandler Stephenson had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, and Ben Hutton, Zach Whitecloud, and Brett Howden scored the other three goals. Eichel also had two assists. Matt Boldy scored the only Minnesota goal.

“I thought it was one of our more complete games,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “They get the first goal and we kept playing. That’s what I liked most about it.”

Minnesota would have locked up a spot with a victory, but the Wild remain at 97 points. The Wild are still in first place in Central Division.

“We had plenty of opportunities to score in this hockey game, but having said that, we didn’t like our energy,” Minnesota coach Dean Evason said.

The Golden Knights vs Wild end the first period.

The Wild struck first and fast in the first period, but Vegas answered with two goals after. 

The Golden Knights vs Wild start of the second and third periods.

Ben Hutton scored the first goal for Vegas, with Shae Theodore out of the lineup with a lower-body injury. Hutton has three points (one goal, two assists) in the past two games, making his presence felt.

“You’re rooting for guys like that,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He’s a popular guy in the room. He’s low maintenance when he’s not playing. You just have to check in and make sure he’s mentally in a good place and don’t lose that connect. In general, he practices hard when it’s not his turn. He sees an opportunity as long as ‘Theo’s’ out.”

After Zach Whitecloud scored, taking a 2-1 lead, the tempo was on Vegas’ side throughout the rest of the game.

Brent Howden scored to extend the lead to 3-1, and then in the third period, Chandler Stephenson scored an empty net goal to close out the game 4-1.

The Golden Knights outshot Minnesota 21-4 in the third period. Both teams play against each again on Monday, only this time, it will be in Minnesota.

“I’m sure they’ll be bringing it. It’s another big test for us,” Eichel said. “They play well at home. They create a lot offensively. We’re going to be ready to go and match their intensity.”

The Golden Knights vs Wild final score was 4-1, Vegas.

On Monday, the Golden Knights will play against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The puck drops at 5:00 pm. The game can be seen on AT&T SportsNet (channel 313 on Cox Cable) or heard on 98.9 FM, FOX Sports Las Vegas 1340 AM.