The Vegas Golden Knights pulled off a gritty 4-3 victory against the St. Louis Blues in front of a roaring crowd at T-Mobile Arena on Friday night. It was a game filled with back-and-forth action, key performances, and a milestone for forward Nicolas Roy, who played his 300th NHL game in style.
A Fast-Paced First Period: Early Strikes from Both Teams
The night began with the St. Louis Blues striking first. Pavel Buchnevich wasted no time, scoring just 6:47 into the opening period, giving the Blues an early 1-0 advantage. However, Vegas responded almost instantly. Just over a minute later, Jack Eichel found the back of the net with a smooth backhand shot, leveling the score.
As the first period was winding down, the Golden Knights seized the lead. Ivan Barbashev, a former St. Louis player, scored with just 1:47 left on the clock, pushing Vegas ahead 2-1. Barbashev’s early-season form has been red hot, and his goal against his former team only added to his growing momentum.
Theodore’s Precision and Buchnevich’s Response
In the second period, Vegas increased their lead to 3-1 when defenseman Shea Theodore launched a powerful slapshot from the blue line just 2:55 into the frame. It was Theodore’s first goal of the season, a rocket that showcased his offensive skill.
But St. Louis wasn’t backing down. Buchnevich continued his stellar play for the Blues, scoring his second goal of the night to close the gap to 3-2 and put the pressure back on the Golden Knights heading into the final period.
Roy’s Milestone Moment in His 300th Game
As the third period began, the tension was palpable. It was Nicolas Roy’s night to shine, and in his 300th NHL game, he delivered when it mattered most. Roy tipped in a shot from Shea Theodore, giving Vegas a crucial 4-2 lead. His goal not only marked a milestone in his career but also gave the Golden Knights some breathing room as the clock ticked down.
The Blues managed to score late in the game, reducing Vegas’ lead to 4-3, but the Golden Knights dug in defensively, holding off St. Louis in the final minutes to secure their second win of the season.
Top Performers of the Night
- Jack Eichel: Eichel contributed with a goal and an assist, continuing his strong start to the season.
- Shea Theodore: Theodore was instrumental, scoring his first goal of the season and assisting on Roy’s game-winner.
- Ivan Barbashev: Barbashev’s consistent scoring streak continued with a goal and an assist, making it three goals in two games.
- Mark Stone: The Golden Knights captain was everywhere, assisting on two of Vegas’ four goals.
VGK Stats of the Knight: A Red-Hot Start for Eichel and Barbashev
Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev are off to an incredible start to the season, with both players recording multiple points in consecutive games. This dynamic duo has now joined an elite group of teammates who have managed to rack up six points each through their team’s first two games. The last time this feat was achieved by Golden Knights players was during the 2019-2020 season with Mark Stone leading the charge.
Looking Ahead: Anaheim Ducks on Deck
The Golden Knights now turn their focus to Sunday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks come to T-Mobile Arena for “Emo Knight,” where fans can expect a blend of high-energy hockey and nostalgic music themes. With momentum on their side, Vegas will look to build on their 2-0 start and keep the excitement going for the home crowd.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the available data and current events around the time of publication, to the best of our staff research and knowledge. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as professional advice, financial advice, sports betting advice, or life advice. It is simply our best guess, something to add to your research. We at Las Vegas Top Picks do our best to get stories accurate, but sometimes mistakes and biases happen, and it is always good to double-check other sources and media outlets to confirm stories and the factual details. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the overall opinion of Las Vegas Top Picks.
