The Vegas Golden Knights failed to extend their win streak with a 5-3 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 12.
Jonathan Marchessault scored 22 seconds into the game, and Alex Pietrangelo suited up for the 1,000th time in his career, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a late surge by the Wild.
The game was tied 2-2 after a high-energy first period, but the Wild took over in the third and sealed the game with a last-minute empty-netter for their third straight win.
They don't ask how! ???? pic.twitter.com/MzynxS4JvD
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) February 13, 2024
Marchessault is now the ninth player in NHL history to score within the first 30 seconds in consecutive games. It took him just 19 seconds to score in the team’s 3-2 win over Arizona on Feb. 8.
As for Pietrangelo, he becomes the 387th player in NHL history to suit up for at least 1,000 games and the eighth to achieve that mark this season. Former teammate Marc-André Fleury played in his 1,000th game on Dec. 31.
“Amazing achievement, first guy to do it wearing this jersey. Whether it was a win or a loss, you don’t want to take away how special it was for not only him and his family but all of us,” said captain Mark Stone, according to Vegas Hockey Now.
Petro made VGK history last night when he skated in his 1,000th game. The hard work, dedication, and support from family and friends helped him get to where he is today. ???? #Pietrange1000 https://t.co/uvD79Qd9h3
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) February 14, 2024
To make the night that much sweeter for Pietrangelo, he earned a secondary assist on Marchessault’s lightning-quick goal. Unfortunately, it didn’t translate to a victory for the Golden Knights, who fell to 31-16-6 (68 points) on the season.
Golden Knights Can’t Overcome Late Surge by Minnesota
Vegas got off to a hot start, but three consecutive penalties halfway through the first period gave the Wild a chance to respond — and they did.
Mats Zuccarello and Joel Eriksson Ek scored within two minutes of each other to give the Wild a 2-1 lead, but Vegas tied it back up with a power-play goal by Michael Amadio.
The Golden Knights had three power-play opportunities of their own in the second period, but nothing came of it.
And then the third period started.
Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy scored within one minute of each other to give Minnesota a 4-2 lead in the third period. Mark Stone cut the deficit in half with 10 minutes remaining, but Joel Eriksson Ek scored his second of the night to put it away.
???? Head Coach Bruce Cassidy after Monday's 5-3 loss to Minnesota pic.twitter.com/LP1jh4HnSf
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) February 13, 2024
“Again, it’s puck management for me,” head coach Bruce Cassidy said following the loss. “I think when we get into trouble, that’s when things unravel for us.”
As for the third-period collapse, he called the Wild’s late goals ‘gifts,’ as opposed to something they earned.
Boldy, Ryan Hartman, and Kirill Kaprizov each had two assists in the win. Pietrangelo ended his historic night with two assists — his fifth multi-point game this year.
It was the Golden Knights’ first of three games against the Wild this season. Vegas swept the season series 3-0 last year and had won five of their past six against the Wild. They’ll see each other on March 30 before ending the season series on April 12.
What’s Next?
Vegas plays their next game on Saturday (Feb. 17) — a highly-touted matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Minnesota, who are now 24-23-5 (53 points) play the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday (Feb. 14).
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