The Golden Knights tonight are looking to continue a trend in their Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Dallas Stars where the road team has won all four games.
The series shifts to Dallas for Game 5 at 4:30 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN.
Vegas’ 2-0 series lead quickly became knotted at 2-2 with the Stars winning Saturday and Monday at T-Mobile Arena.
But the defending Stanley Cup champion Knights have already won twice in the series on the road and say they’re up to the task.
“We have a lot of gamers in that locker room,” winger Jonathan Marchessault said after Monday’s loss.
Regardless of today’s outcome, the series will return Friday to the Strip for Game 6, when one of the teams will be facing elimination.
Here’s what the Golden Knights need to do to regain the edge.
Second-period stumbles
Vegas arguably dominated Dallas in the first and third periods Monday but lost all momentum in the second. That’s when the Golden Knights were outshot 14-7 and the Stars scored a pair of goals to take the lead for good.
Momentum swings are part of postseason sports. It’s up to Vegas to take advantage of the puck when it’s going its way.
The Knights had seven more shots than the Stars in the first period and six more in the third, but couldn’t turn those opportunities into goals. Vegas didn’t score in the final 37 minutes in a 4-2 defeat.
“I think we lost the momentum in the second period,” Marchessault said. “They got that power-play goal. After that, they were able to generate another power play and get a goal in the last two minutes.
“Momentum swings in the playoffs and I don’t think we managed that well.”
Penalties also hampered Vegas’ effort in the second, as Alex Pietrangelo was called for roughing and Chandler Stephenson for cross-checking.
Prior to Game 4, Dallas was 1-for-5 on the power play in the series. But the Stars capitalized Monday with a power-play goal from Wyatt Johnston in the decisive second period.
“We played very well with the exception of the end of the second,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Some of that was penalty-driven and we need to get back at it.
“That’s maturity in your team. We should be further along than that. That’s one that was disappointing.”
Subs vs. stars
Dallas’ Evgenii Dadonov, Ty Dellandrea and Roope Hintz all scored their first goals of the series, showing the Stars can find success deeper into their bench without guys like Radek Faksa and Mason Marchment, who are injured.
“I can’t say enough about our depth guys stepping in,” Stars coach Peter DeBoer said. “We’ve got a couple of injuries … and guys have come in, and it’s been seamless not only how they’ve jumped in but the effect they’ve had on the game.”
It hasn’t been the same for the Golden Knights, who are leaning on their stars to lead the way.
While Vegas’ Michael Amadio did score his first playoff goal in Game 4, the offense was again carried by Marchessault and Eichel. Marchessault had seven shots in Monday’s loss, and Eichel registered his third goal of the playoffs.
Marchessault, who had a goal in each of the initial two games of the series in Dallas, knows the series is far from over.
“I’m a positive guy so I like to think that way, but obviously I’m really disappointed,” Marchessault said after the loss. “At midnight it’s a new day, tomorrow, and my focus is on Game 5 in Dallas.”
Thompson shines in goal
Logan Thompson made 46 saves Saturday and 31 on Monday, averaging a .919 save percentage over both games. Both, however, ended up as losses for Vegas.
“If there’s one guy that shows up every night, it’s Logan,” Marchessault said. “I think he gives us a chance to win every night and he’s playing well. He’s in a great mindset right now and I want to battle for a guy like that.”
This series is Thompson’s first playoff experience. He’s holding a .921 save percentage over four games and a 2.35 goals-against average.
Now, it’s up to the rest of the players to hold up their end of the bargain, his teammates said.
“We’ve got to be better,” William Karlsson said. “He played phenomenal. We’ve got to be better for him and pick it up in the next one.”