VGK Analysis: Eichel, Dorofeyev Dominate; Golden Knights Snap Skid

On Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights (6-1-3) finished a three-game road trip in Raleigh against the Carolina Hurricanes (6-3-0). After the Hurricanes struck early, the teams traded goals. The Golden Knights pulled away in the third period and ultimately won 6-3.

Once again, the Golden Knights started slowly, and it cost them. The Hurricanes controlled play and flew through the neutral zone with ease. They recorded the first seven shots on goal, outshooting the Golden Knights 7-0 at the first TV timeout. 

The Hurricanes scored 3:46 into the first period on their first power play opportunity and seventh shot. Sebastian Aho won the face-off back to Andrei Svechnikov, who ripped a one-timer past Akira Schmid. 

It took the Golden Knights almost six and a half minutes to register their first shot on goal, but they made it count. 

Tomáš Hertl won a board battle, and the puck went to Mitch Marner at the goal line. Marner threaded a pass to Pavel Dorofeyev, who received it and beat Freddie Andersen five-hole on the backhand. 

The Golden Knights took their first lead of the game on the power play at 18:03 in the first period. Jack Eichel drove into the zone and found Shea Theodore at the point. Theodore dusted the puck off and set up Pavel Dorofeyev for a one-timer.

The Golden Knights dominated the second period. They outshot the Hurricanes 17-8 and controlled over 70% of the Corsi. They generated seven high danger chances and allowed just two. 

Despite being thoroughly outplayed, the Hurricanes scored the only goal of the second period. Jordan Martinook stripped Jack Eichel of the puck and scored on a breakaway. 

The Hurricanes retook the lead 2:31 into the third period. Jackson Blake took a hit to make a play, and Jalen Chatfield one-touched a pass to Logan Stankoven. Stankoven entered the zone, dangled around a sliding Ben Hutton, and beat Akira Schmid high-glove. 

Less than four minutes later, the Golden Knights answered back and tied the game. Cole Reinhardt sprung Brett Howden, who blew past Jalen Chatfield, drove the net, and finished in tight.

The Golden Knights took the lead with five minutes remaining in the third. Jack Eichel pressured Taylor Hall, who sent a pass into Sean Walker’s skates. Ivan Barbashev corralled the puck and sprung Eichel on a breakaway with a touch-pass, and Eichel didn’t miss. 

Less than three minutes later, the Golden Knights extended their lead. Ivan Barbashev accepted a pass from Mitch Marner at center ice and drove into the attacking zone. Barbashev circled the wagon and threaded a centering pass for Jack Eichel, who ripped a one-timer past Freddie Andersen. 

Down by two, the Hurricanes pulled Andersen for the extra attacker. The Golden Knights hunkered down defensively, and William Karlsson found Tomáš Hertl for an empty netter. 

Three stars of the game: Jack Eichel, Pavel Dorofeyev, Jordan Martinook

7 Golden Knights Observations 

1. Cole Reinhardt drew back into the lineup tonight for an injured Colton Sissons. He recorded four hits and the primary assist on the game-tying goal. 

2. The fourth line looked fantastic tonight. Brett Howden scored his second of the season. Tonight’s goal was particularly impressive, but both have been fantastic individual efforts. 

“I just gave it to him and he did the rest,” said Cole Reinhardt postgame of Howden’s goal. 

3. Happy birthday, Jack Eichel— how’s a two-goal, three-point outing? With eight goals and 19 points in 10 games, he regained sole possession of the league lead in scoring. 

4. Ivan Barbashev’s heroics can’t go unmentioned. He recorded the primary assist on each of Eichel’s goals, and both were smart plays. His assist on Eichel’s second goal, however, was beyond impressive. 

5. After going 0-for on their first nine attempts, the Golden Knights finally scored a power play goal without Mark Stone. And they almost scored a second, too, but Freddie Andersen made a spectacular stick save on Mitch Marner in the last minute of the second period.

6. The Hurricanes scored just two seconds into their only power play opportunity. Thus, the Golden Knights’ penalty kill streak ends at 14. 

7. The Golden Knights didn’t play their best hockey on this three-game road trip. And yet, they return home with three of six points and a 1-1-1 record. Not too shabby.