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Golden Knights Limp Into All-Star Break With Yet Another Loss

The Vegas Golden Knights (29-18-4, 62 points) closed out their final game before the NHL All-Star Break with a 2-1 overtime loss to the…

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The Vegas Golden Knights (29-18-4, 62 points) closed out their final game before the NHL All-Star Break with a 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Islanders (25-22-5, 55 points). Mat Barzal scored in overtime as two of the NHL's lowest-scoring teams as of late met in a slow chess-match style game.

Will Carrier scored the Golden Knight's only goal. The Golden Knights have now lost seven of their last eight games and are third in the Pacific Division standings heading into the All-Star Break.

FIRST PERIOD

  • Logan Thompson was in the game early, making a collection of big saves, such as a strong one on Sebastian Aho.
  • Ryan Pulock almost made a costly turnover to Phil Kessel, gifting him the puck in front of Semyon Varlamov.
  • Kyle Palmieri had a few stuff attempts on a strong shift, but Logan Thompson was able to stop him at every chance.
  • Shea Theodore hit the post, receiving a pass from Chandler Stephenson. Puck luck for both teams was not there early.
  • Keegan Kolesar turned the puck over to Mat Barzal, and Logan Thompson was forced to make a huge left-to-right save on Anthony Beauvillier.
  • The Golden Knights went 7:04 between shots on goal. In that span, the Islanders had nine shots on goal.
  • Logan Thompson finished out his strong first period with another big save, this time on Scott Mayfield.
  • The NHL's lowest-scoring teams as of late finished the first period with no goals combined.

SECOND PERIOD

  • NYI PP- Brett Howden took the first penalty of the game, a tripping call on Mat Barzal.
  • 1-0 NYI GOAL- Kyle Palmieri muscles his way to the net and got a puck to Andres Lee at the last second, who scored.
  • The Golden Knights have now allowed the first goal in 13 of their last 15 games.
  • VGK PP- Will Carrier tried to get the VGK going by forcing his way to the net. He didn't score but got Scott Mayfield to take a penalty.
  • Semyon Varlamov made a spectacular sprawling stick save on Reilly Smith on the powerplay.
  • In another spot where they needed to score a big goal, the Golden Knight's powerplay came up short once again.
  • Logan Thompson made a couple of sprawling saves to keep the VGK in the game. Another big stop on Kyle Palmieri was made.
  • VGK PP- Mat Barzal slashed Will Carrier's net so hard that he broke his stick.
  • 1-1 VGK GOAL- The Golden Knights broke free and scored as Chandler Stephenson found Will Carrier all alone in front of the net for his 12th goal.
  • Phil Kessel made a great defensive play to prevent a goal to Anthony Beauvillier.

THIRD PERIOD

  • Aatu Raty found a loose puck off the boards and fired a shot at Logan Thompson, who made the save.
  • Jonathan Marchessault collected a puck below the goal line and fed Paul Cotter out front for a huge chance.
  • The Golden Knights were able to string together a couple of solid offensive shifts midway through the third.
  • Ben Hutton joined the rush and got a big shot attempt on Semyon Varlamov, but he was stopped by the blocker.
  • The Golden Knights came back and evened up the shot totals in the game 35-35 with roughly seven minutes remaining.
  • Alec Martinez turned the puck over to Kyle Palmieri, who went off on a breakaway but bobbled the puck trying to shoot.

OVERTIME

  • PENALTY SHOT- Fresh into overtime, Adam Pelech tripped Will Carrier, which resulted in a penalty shot. Carrier tried to go five-hole on Semyon Varlamov but was denied.
  • Both Shea Theodore and Jack Eichel had their chances but were unable to score in the five-minute OT frame.
  • 2-1 NYI GOAL- Mat Barzal scored in the dying seconds of OT.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS NOTES

  • As expected, it was a low-scoring affair against two of the NHL's lowest-scoring teams as of late. Both teams had lost six of seven entering tonight.
  • In just his second game back from injury, Will Carrier provided the Golden Knights with the gritty heat-and-soul presence they needed.
  • Logan Thompson was once again remarkable all game, but let in one goal in overtime. Hopefully, he is not overly critical of himself again.
  • Phil Kessel had a strong game, with an assist and a good defensive play late in the second period that surely prevented a goal.
  • The Golden Knights now have nine days off until their next game, a Feb 7th matchup against the Nashville Predators on the road.
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VHN's Player of the Game: Will Carrier

In terms of the raw emotion and passion that he brings to the team, Will Carrier is essentially Mark Stone lite. He once again had a passionate game, drawing penalties and scoring goals in just his second game back from injury. 

Up Next: Logan Thompson and head coach Bruce Cassidy will attend NHL All-Star Weekend, which starts on Feb. 4th. The Golden Knights will not play again until Feb 7th against the Nashville Predators on the road.