Pacioretty, Stone, Hague Help VGK Down Kings 5-2

The Vegas Golden Knights did not look like a team that hadn’t played a game since January 26th, scoring three times in the first period en route to a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings Friday night.

It’s an odd thing to say the game was even more lopsided than the final score, but the Golden Knights dominated most of the way as they overpowered the Kings. Vegas’ speed led to several odd-man rushes and quality scoring chances all game. Los Angeles managed a couple goals in the third period when it seemed Vegas took its foot off the gas a bit.

Three Golden Knights recorded three point nights: Max Pacioretty had three assists, William Karlsson had a goal and two assists, and Nic Hauge’s three point night was a career best for him with a goal and two assists.

Mark Stone and Jonathan Marchessault each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights in the win.

Marc-Andre Fleury was great in net for Vegas once again, making 27 saves to improve to 4-0 on the year.

Tom’s Takeaways:

• Mark Stone has 13 points in eight games to lead the Golden Knights this season.
• Nic Hague’s three points (1-2-3) is a career high and his second career multi-point game.
• Dylan Coghlan appeared in his first NHL game, recording 13:15 of ice time and one hit.
• The power play converted on an early chance and had a second goal called back for goaltender interference. Nice to see the man advantage unit moving the puck so well without Pietrangelo in the lineup.
• Marc-Andre Fleury won again and looked good doing it. With the late-game letdown excepted, Fleury was sharp and made several key saves as the Golden Knights built their insurmountable lead.
• Vegas is 5-0-1 on home ice this season.