The Vegas Golden Knights dashed the Seattle Kraken’s hopes of a triumphant debut, securing a 4-3 victory on Tuesday night.
Max Pacioretty led the charge for Vegas, scoring twice as the Golden Knights spoiled the Kraken’s first-ever NHL game.
“I think our preseason had its ups and downs, but we’ve got a veteran group that knows when to turn it on,” said Vegas coach Peter DeBoer. “Our team was ready to play tonight.”
Chandler Stephenson and Jonathan Marchessault also found the back of the net for Vegas, while Robin Lehner made 25 saves. The Golden Knights fans, accustomed to cheering for Marc-Andre Fleury, gave Lehner a warm reception during pregame introductions and an enthusiastic ovation at the final horn.
“I loved it,” DeBoer said of the fans’ support for Lehner. “I think he’s going to be great for us. This was a big night for him, and he delivered.”
The win almost slipped away from Vegas as Seattle clawed back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game. Stephenson’s controversial game-winner midway through the third period ultimately secured the victory for the Golden Knights.
Seattle’s Morgan Geekie scored one of the Kraken’s goals and noted the team’s resilience. “I think it speaks to our character. We knew Vegas was a good team, but we got better as the game continued.”
Geekie admitted there were nerves early on. “Yeah, definitely. It’s a big stage here in Vegas, and they put on quite a show.”
Vegas captain Mark Stone, who had three assists, set up Stephenson’s game-winning goal. The goal, which appeared to involve kicking, was upheld after an official review.
“I know what I saw, and I thought it was a kicking motion,” said Seattle coach Dave Hakstol. “But there’s a gray area on those calls, and the decision was it’s a good goal.”
Ryan Donato made history by scoring Seattle’s first-ever goal, with Jared McCann and Geekie adding to the tally. Kraken goalie Phillip Grubauer made 18 saves in his debut.
Vegas started strong, with Pacioretty and Marchessault scoring on two of the team’s first three shots. Pacioretty’s second goal, initially credited to Nic Hague, extended the lead to 3-0.
Seattle responded with Donato’s goal in the second period, followed by McCann’s score, bringing the Kraken within one. Geekie tied the game in the third period with a top-shelf shot and celebrated with a theatrical flourish.
Game Notes:
- The Stone-Stephenson-Pacioretty line combined for eight points.
- Seattle’s Jared McCann, Marcus Johansson, Jamie Oleksiak, and Joonas Donskoi were all cleared from COVID protocol earlier in the day. Calle Jarnkrok remained in the protocol.
- Vegas’ Mattias Janmark is also in COVID protocol.
- The Golden Knights are now 91-0-1 in franchise history when leading by three goals.
Up Next:
- Seattle travels to Nashville to face the Predators on Thursday.
- Vegas heads to Los Angeles to play the Kings on Thursday.
