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Golden Knights suffer 4-3 shootout loss to Maple Leafs

The Vegas Golden Knights got a point out of seemingly nothing after one of the worst first periods so far this season. Early on, the team was full of chaos and Max Lagace gave up three goals to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Each had traffic in front of the net.

But then he didn’t give up a goal for the rest of regulation. Despite the team’s disorganization in the second period, the Golden Knights still managed to get a goal out of it, scored by Reilly Smith on the power play.

Then Deryk Engelland of all people sniped one past Frederik Andersen in the third period to tie the game up. The defense held the fort, as did Lagace, and the Knights sent the game to overtime.

Despite their recent struggles in the third period, the Golden Knights managed to put together a complete effort in the game’s final third. They dominated the puck and the defense stepped up and made plays in front of Lagace. This was a game where the Knights got better with time, something we haven’t seen a ton of.

The overtime period was dominated by the Golden Knights, who set the tone early and often, attacking in the Toronto zone and denying chances the other way. There was a great chance from Auston Matthews, but it was denied by James Neal. Nate Schmidt was particularly impressive during the contest’s most crucial moments.

Despite the comeback effort, though, the shootout was won on the first shot by Mitch Marner. None of the Golden Knights shooters could beat Andersen.

The Golden Knights kept themselves in it, and they deserve credit for that. Even if they only came away with one point.