The Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, and the excitement is already building after three fun-filled days. The Vegas Golden Knights, fresh off a strong Game 1 win, host the Utah Mammoth in Game 2 of their first-round series. Let’s dive into the key storylines for tonight.
Golden Knights’ Playoff Gameday Preview: Game 2 vs. Mammoth (Vegas Leads 1-0)
After trailing entering the third period, the Golden Knights found a way to secure the series-opening win. Mark Stone and Nic Dowd scored 1:47 apart to give Vegas the lead. Carter Hart made 31 saves, continuing his stellar play from the regular season. Dowd gave his thoughts on his team’s win following the game:
“It’s hard to score goals, it’s hard to get shots. You see throughout the League right now, shots are low in a lot of games. We’ve got to play what we do well. We’re going to consistently try to do the same thing over and over. Some nights you are going to get rewarded, some nights you are not.”
- Mitch Marner – Jack Eichel – Mark Stone
- Ivan Barbashev – Brett Howden – Pavel Dorofeyev
- Reilly Smith – Tomas Hertl – Keegan Kolesar
- Cole Smith – Nic Dowd – Colton Sissons
- Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
- Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson
- Jeremy Lauzon – Kaedan Korczak
- Carter Hart/Adin Hill
Golden Knights’ Playoff Team Leaders
Since we are only one game into the postseason, we will see many ties for team leads. However, Colton Sissons is the sole leader in points with two. Sissons, Stone, Barbashev, and Dowd all lead the team with one goal. Hanifin leads Vegas with two assists. Lauzon, Andersson, and Kolesar each have two penalty minutes. Lastly, among the skaters, Sissons leads with a plus-3 rating.
In goal, Hart played Game 1 and won, so he leads the team in wins. He also heads into Game 2 with a 2.01 goals-against average (GAA) and a .939 save percentage (SV%).
Storyline #1 – Put Pressure on Utah
Looking back at the regular season, the Mammoth were 29-2-2 when leading after two periods. However, the Golden Knights managed to hand them a rare third-period loss to open the series.
Previously, I noted that Vegas should not try to intimidate Utah. However, for Game 2, the approach changes. After Utah’s strong but ultimately incomplete effort in Game 1, and with their relative lack of playoff experience, the pressure increases. Facing a possible 2-0 deficit if they lose, the Mammoth’s mindset will be tested differently this time.
In light of this, the Golden Knights need to try to expose possible desperation on the Mammoth side. Can they force the Mammoth to make an uncharacteristic mistake and take advantage of it?
The Mammoth may be ready for the challenge, but the Golden Knights must pressure them and make them prove it.
Storyline #2 – Physicality
Game 1 was a physical affair – not unusual for the playoffs. The Golden Knights outhit the Mammoth, 51-31. There were seven roughing minors called between the two teams. Furthermore, there was a scrum after the final horn. Again, a typical sight in the playoffs, and one that is typically enjoyed by fans.
It will be interesting to see if any fireworks carry over into Game 2. If there are, the Golden Knights (and Mammoth, for that matter) will want to be sure they are not taking any unnecessary penalties. Do not take a penalty that negates a power play. Do not be the player in a scrum who gets called for a retaliatory hit. To put it simply, do not let the fireworks turn the tide in the special teams department.
How to Watch
The game starts at 6:30 P.M. Pacific Time. Locally, it can be viewed on the SCRIPPS Network. Nationally, it airs on ESPN2.
Be sure to check in with The Hockey Writers for more playoff coverage!
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