The Vegas Golden Knights are on the verge of history after a commanding performance in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas routed the Florida Panthers 7-2 on Monday night, taking a 2-0 series lead and moving within two wins of their first championship in franchise history.
The Golden Knights have been unstoppable, with a combined eight-goal advantage over the first two games. Only three teams have returned from a 2-0 deficit in the Cup Final since the NHL’s expansion era began. The Panthers need a miraculous turnaround as the series heads to Florida for Game 3 on Thursday.
“We’ve leaned on our depth all year,” said Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy. “It’s the biggest reason we’re still here. We have the best overall team from player one through 20.”
Jonathan Marchessault led the way for Vegas with two goals and an assist, setting the tone early and chasing Florida’s star goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky. Marchessault’s 12 playoff goals are the most by a Golden Knights player in a single postseason, all coming after the first round.
“They came out aggressive, but we answered with the first goal,” Marchessault said. “We’re still far from our goal, but this was another step.”
Brett Howden added two goals for Vegas, with Alec Martinez, Nicolas Roy, and Michael Amadio scoring. The Knights had six players with multi-point games, and all 18 skaters contributed to even-strength goals. Their nine different goal scorers in the series set a Stanley Cup Final record.
Bobrovsky, who had been dominant throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, was pulled 7:10 into the second period after giving up four goals. He had won 11 of his previous 12 games but has struggled against Vegas, allowing eight goals in just over 87 minutes of play.
“We can be better in front of our goaltender,” said Panthers coach Paul Maurice. “I pulled him to keep him fresh.”
Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk and Anton Lundell scored, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Knights’ overwhelming attack. Adin Hill continued his strong play for Vegas with 29 saves and made critical stops, including denying Carter Verhaeghe on a breakaway in the first period.
“He’s been unbelievable for us,” said Vegas forward William Carrier. “Hill has been a game-changer.”
The Golden Knights took control early, scoring two goals in the first period, with Marchessault and Martinez finding the net. It was Vegas’ third straight game with a power-play goal.
Florida suffered a significant blow when defenseman Radko Gudas left the game early after a hit from Vegas forward Ivan Barbashev and did not return. Barbashev, acquired at the trade deadline, has made his presence felt with his physical play, adding to Vegas’ imposing style.
The Knights faced a scare of their own when Jack Eichel took a hard hit from Tkachuk late in the second period. However, Eichel returned in the third and assisted on Marchessault’s second goal of the game.
“We managed the momentum well and got timely goals,” Eichel said.
The Panthers will need to regroup as they face the daunting task of returning in the series, while Vegas looks to carry their momentum into Game 3 on Thursday.
“We’re enjoying this journey,” said Hill. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey.”