Golden Knights at Canucks
The Vegas Golden Knights look to continue their momentum after wrapping up the Pacific Division title when they open a three-game road trip against the Vancouver Canucks and Henrik and Deniel Sedin on Tuesday in their second-to-last home game. The Sedin twins, who have combined for 2,106 points in 2,630 career games, announced Monday they would retire at the end this season and play their final home game Thursday against Arizona.
“We started the year with the mindset that a decision would be made in the postseason,” the Sedins said in a letter to Canucks fans. “But it became clear, after discussions with our families throughout the year, that this will be our last season. This feels right for all of us.” The 37-year olds have helped Vancouver build a season high-tying four-game winning streak, but the Canucks have not had much luck against Vegas - getting outscored 15-6 in three losses. The expansion Golden Knights clinched the division title with a 3-2 win over San Jose on Saturday in their final home game of the season and are 5-1-2 in their last eight outings. “It’s all about the points,” coach Gerard Gallant told the the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “You never know what the scenario is going to be down the road so let’s win as many games as we can. We’ll see what happens and try to keep our guys fresh and ready to go. I’m confident that our team is going to be ready, no matter what, the next three games.”
TV: 10 p.m. ET, AT&T Rocky Mountain (Vegas), Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver)
ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (50-22-7): Vegas hopes to have forwards David Perron (undisclosed) and Reilly Smith (shoulder) back at some point during the trip that includes stops in Edmonton and Calgary. Perron is third on the team with a career-high 66 points and Smith is fourth with a career-best 60 while center Erik Haula needs one goal to reach 30 for the first time. William Karlsson leads the league with a plus-46 rating and shares the top spot on the team with fellow forward Jonathan Marchessault at 75 points after posting nine in the last four games.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (30-40-9): Daniel Sedin has four assists in the last six games and sits three away from catching injured rookie Brock Boeser (55) for the team lead in points. Captain Henrik Sedin needs two points to reach 50 for the 12th straight full season while center Bo Horvat scored his career-best 21st goal and added an assist in Saturday’s victory. Jacob Markstrom is 4-0-0 in his last four starts, giving up five goals combined, and Thatcher Demko got the win in his NHL debut against Columbus after making 26 saves.
OVERTIME
1. Vegas G Marc-Andre Fleury (29-12-4, 2.14 goals-against, .931 save percentage) can reach 30 wins for the ninth time.
2. Vancouver F Adam Gaudette, who led the NCAA in scoring this season, registered five shots on net and no points in his first two NHL games.
3. The Golden Knights have killed off 25-of-26 power-play opportunities over the last nine contests.