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Golden Knights strike first in Game 2 with Brett Howden goal
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- Golden Knights strike first in Game 2 with Brett Howden goal
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The Vegas Golden Knights would like to seize control of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes with another strong effort on the road. The Golden Knights were victorious in Game 1 of the series at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, and they scored the opening goal in Game 2.
Once again it was Brett Howden who scored the goal that opened the scoring. Howden took a long backhand flip pass from Mitch Marner and he was able to control the puck. After gaining control, he took three strides and fired a wrist shot past Frederik Andersent to give the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead at the 13:33 mark of the period.
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However, the goal did not necessarily mean that the visitors had the territorial advantage in the opening period. Vegas had just two shots on goal against the Hurricanes, and Howden's shot found the back of the net. While he is normally a role player who scored 12 goals during the regular season, Howden has become something of a superstar in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has scored an NHL-leading 12 goals since the start of the postseason.
While Marner deserves credit for sending his high pass towards the Carolina end, Howden had to outfight Sean Walker for the puck. Once he got behind the Carolina defenseman, he was able to get the measure of Andersen. It appeared the goaltender had a good view of the shot, but he was not quick enough to get in the way.
Howden would score a second goal near the midway point of the second period after taking a pass from Ivan Barbashev and beating the Carolina defense before tucking the puck past Andersen.
Vegas came from behind to earn a 5-4 victory in Game 1 of the series. That was something of a shocker because Carolina had a 2-0 lead in the first period. The Golden Knights steadied themselves and did not panic. Now Carolina has to demonstrate the same kind of determination in Game 2 if it is going to tie up the series.
Related: Golden Knights' John Tortorella stands firmly behind controversial challenge in Game 2
Related: NHL news: Comebacks by Hurricanes, Golden Knights make new Stanley Cup Final history
