The Vegas Golden Knights remained perfect to start the 2023-24 season on Saturday when they defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-1. The victory marked the 3rd straight game in which the team finished with that score line. Vegas also improved its all-time record vs. the Ducks to 21-2-5, which remains the best performance against a single team in team history. Saturday’s bout was another interesting entry in a Pacific Division rivalry that’s been intense from the beginning, and Jack Eichel gave the home team a lead with a beauty of a goal just before time expired.
The goal was the team’s first power play goal of the season, and it came on a major penalty that was still being served by Sam Carrick. The Golden Knights added to their lead towards the end of period 2 when Chandler Stephenson found the back of the net on a nifty play as he drove to the net.
Shea Theodore added a goal of his own against his former team in the final frame, and it was a special one as it came in his 400th game as a member of the Golden Knights.
Adin Hill was denied a shutout when Mason McTavish scored for Anaheim 27 seconds after Theodore’s goal. He was excellent on the evening and stopped 22 of 23 shots faced, including 18 of 19 at even strength, and all 4 faced while the Golden Knights were killing penalties.
Jonas Røndbjerg put the puck into an empty net for the team’s final goal of the game, and he made the most of the minutes he received with Brett Howden sidelined while serving his suspension.
The Golden Knights went 2 for 6 on the power play on the night, and went a perfect 3 for 3 on the penalty kill. Vegas also recorded a goal in each period, and so far this season they’ve scored in every period they’ve played in. In terms of individual offense, the team once again received contributions from multiple players. Stephenson finished with a goal and two assists, Theodore had a goal and assist, Eichel had a goal and an assist, Røndbjerg scored a goal, and Paul Cotter, Nicolas Hague, and Brayden McNabb each picked up an assist.
On the injury front, Alex Pietrangelo missed the game due to an injury, and Bruce Cassidy considers him day to day. William Carrier and Alec Martinez also remained out of the lineup, and there is no set timeline on when either will return. Howden is set to return from his suspension in the Golden Knights’ next game.
Stephenson was named the game’s 1st star, Eichel was the 2nd star, and Theodore was the 3rd star of the game. Vegas is back in action Tuesday at home, and they will take on the Dallas Stars in a rematch of the most recent Western Conference Final.