It’s the Los Angeles Kings versus the Vegas Golden Knights and the Kings get a Christmas gift in Vegas. Why, you ask? Well, the Knights lost in overtime on Saturday and they are throwing Marc-Andre Fleury out there again. It’s not every day the opposing coach makes a bonehead move versus the Kings, especially with our interim coach, but it’s fairly obvious that tonight, Gerard Gallant is out of his mind. This will haunt Vegas, mark my words.
Pre-Game
The Kings are looking for their first three game winning streak. Not good.
We zoom past the telecast talking heads straight to the national anthem where the Vegas faithful butcher and disrespect The Star Spangled Banner with their stupid “Knights” outburst during the song.
First Period
Drew Doughty active early, looking to agitate the Knights like only he can.
Vegas 1. Kings 0.
Just seconds after checking Daniel Brickley from behind with a near boarding penalty, Tomas Nosek with the weird, bouncy seeing-eye goal and ugh, the good guys give up the first one halfway through the first.
Brickely blasted again from behind. Is anyone else seeing these borderline illegal hits? Rookie getting abused tonight.
End of Period.
Physical game so far. In case you’re not keeping track, these teams may have a strong dislike for each other.
Shots: Vegas 8. Kings 7.
Second Period
Dustin Brown with the monster shot handled easily by Fleury. Shakes his head wondering if this is the playoffs again.
Geez, the bandwagon in Vegas must have lost some wheels. Lots of empty seats in T-Mobile Arena.
Vegas 1. Kings. 1.
After nearly ramming Fleury behind the net, Adrian Kempe picks up the Matt Luff-created turnover, spins, turns and shoots it spot on to Michael Amadio’s stick. Tip-in goal! The momentum has definitely shifted.
Tyler Toffoli is a chance machine. Will he ever score again? We can only hope.
Vegas 2. Kings. 1.
Reunited and it feels so good. Reilly Smith, Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson skate together again and Smith promptly scores over Cal Petersen’s glove.
Dear Cal,
Remember that Nashville game where the Preds scored over your glove like 17 times? I thought we discussed working extra with Bill Ranford? Please work with him over the break. We need a better effort from your glove. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.
Vegas 2. Kings. 2.
How does Fleury make three brilliant stops (two on Carter and once on Ilya Kovalchuk) and then get fooled so badly on the Alex Iafallo wraparound? Uhm. Maybe because he played the night before and he’s tired. Kings will take that one! Iafallo on a pace to score 20 (last year with nine) and four game goal streak.
End of Period.
Kings holding their own in Vegas. Will they have fresh legs in the third? I’m feeling confident that Fleury will make big mistakes with tired legs.
Shots: Kings 22. Vegas 17.
Third Period
Shot of Jonathan Quick on the bench looking super bored. I bet he wishes he were being overworked on the ice tonight.
Kings 3. Vegas 2.
We have a Jeff Carter sighting! Kings with the their first lead of the game. Three goals in 25 games though for Jeffy. But we shall focus on the positive: That’s his team-leading fifth power play goal of the year.
Kings outshooting Vegas 27-18. Vegas looking old and slow tonight. Just saying.
Kings 3. Vegas 3.
A very much expected Vegas goal on the power play. Why? Since November 18, the Knights are 28% on the power play. The Kings? Well, they are ranked 29th on the penalty kill. Public enemy number two Ryan Reaves with a tally from noted PED-user Nate Schmidt.
End of Period.
We have bonus hockey!
Dear Willie D.,
Focus! Stick with the winning line combos. No waiver wire guys or defensive specialist centers in this OT. I’m begging you.
Shots: Kings 31. Vegas 21
Overtime
Petersen with three consecutive glove saves including a much-needed stoppage. Game savers. Brilliant.
No, my eyes do not deceive! That’s Tyler Toffoli scoring to win it off a brilliant Oscar Fantenberg pass! Snakebitten no more! Merry Christmas Kings!
Marc-Andre Fleury smashing his stick on the goal post in overtime against the Kings is my new favorite thing.
Kings are only eight points away from a playoff spot, yet still have the best chance to land the number one spot in the Jack Hughes Draft.
Strange Times.
Good Times.