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Golden Knights Pull Away From Predators With Dominant Third Period In 5-2 Win
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- Golden Knights Pull Away From Predators With Dominant Third Period In 5-2 Win
(Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)
The Vegas Golden Knightsturned a tightly contested game into a convincing victory Tuesday night, scoring three unanswered goals over the final two periods to defeat the Nashville Predators5-2 at Bridgestone Arena.
Playing their second road game in as many nights, the Golden Knights rebounded from Monday's loss at Minnesota with goals from five different players and a third-period performance that impressed coach Ryan Craig.
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"I thought everybody to a man was ready to play, especially our goaltender early with the early penalty kills and the penalty-shot save," Craig said. "But I think our best period for me was the third period. I thought we came up with the right intensity to try to finish off a game, and we did."
William Karlssonbroke a 2-2 tie with 2:16 remaining in the second period before Trevor Connellyand Brett Howdenscored 95 seconds apart early in the third to put the game away.
Ryan O'Reillyopened the scoring for Nashville at 3:55 of the first period before Tomas Hertlanswered at 6:46 and Jack Eichelgave Vegas a 2-1 lead at 12:48.
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Adam Edstromtied the game with a shorthanded goal at 8:45 of the second period, but Karlsson restored the Golden Knights' advantage at 17:44.
Vegas seized control in the third, with Connelly scoring at 4:49 and Howden following at 6:24.
"I think the best part was coming out in the third and not taking our foot off the gas and kind of bringing our game to another level," Howden said. "I thought we put the pedal down and did a good job of finishing it off the right way."
Adin Hillmade 25 saves, including a first-period penalty-shot stop, while Vegas demonstrated the offensive balance Craig believes will be critical throughout the season.
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"Depth. That's what it is," Craig said. "We were able to play four lines. The game dictated that quite a bit, which is good for a hockey club, especially on a back-to-back early in the year."
KEY MOMENT: Tiebreaker Bill
Karlsson's goal at 17:44 of the second period broke a 2-2 tie after Nashville had gained momentum with a shorthanded equalizer. His second goal in as many games restored Vegas' lead and set the stage for its decisive third-period performance.
KEY STAT: Five of 'em
Five different Golden Knights scored, and 12 players registered at least one point. Vegas also received 25 saves from Hill, including a first-period penalty-shot stop that helped prevent Nashville from building an early advantage.
WHAT A KNIGHT: William Karlsson
Karlsson delivered the game-winning goal for his second tally in consecutive games, continuing an encouraging offensive stretch.
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"Two good shots," Craig said. "He had the breakaway last night, too, so he's starting to shoot the puck, which we like to see."
UP NEXT
The Golden Knights return home Thursday to face the Calgary Flames at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Pacific.
PHOTO CAPTION
Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) skates with the puck against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena.
