As they have all season, the Vegas Golden Knights beat the odds Monday night, taking the first game of the Stanley Cup Final.
After falling behind 4–3 in the third period, the Knights got a trio of goals from two, fourth-line forwards to tie, take the lead, and then clinch a 6-4 win over the Washington Capitals.
Vegas’ Tomas Nosek potted the tie-breaking goal midway through the third period and then notched the insurance score with a few seconds remaining on the clock in the win. Those scores were a huge help for Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who made 24 saves, but was shaky at times.
His counterpart, Braden Holtby, stopped 28 shots for the Capitals but also surrendered the most goals Washington has given up since March 18. If they want to even the series in the next game, the Capitals will have to shore up their defense in front of him.
“I think next game is going to be different, and all the nervousness, all the bad thing goes away in this game,” said Washington captain Alex Ovechkin. “We just have to forget about it and bounce back (in the) next one.”
During the game, Washington’s Tom Wilson flattened Vegas forward Jonathan Marchessault with a blindside hit that could lead to discipline and a possible suspension from the NHL.
Game 2 is Wednesday night in Vegas.
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