In Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, the Vegas Golden Knights came ready to play. After being shutout out in two of their last three games, the Golden Knights goal scorers came alive in the second period. The Golden Knights came into this game knowing they had to perform better, and did from the drop of the puck. Starting off at a much higher pace, Vegas was able to carry that energy all through to the final buzzer. With help from Paul Stastny and Robin Lehner, they led Vegas to a Game 2 win over the Dallas Stars and tied the series one game apiece.
Robin Lehner Gets Win in Game 2 Shutout
As the goalie controversy continues in the desert, Peter DeBoer decided to go back to Robin Lehner to start Game 2, and it paid off. With the Knights defence playing extremely well, Lehner was able to record his fourth shutout this postseason. Making sure to keep everything to the outside Lehner was able to turn away all 24 shots he faced. Shea Theodore and the Vegas defence helped keep everything to the outside. That made things easier for Lehner.
Through the first two periods the Stars only 12 shots on goal. Compared to the third period where they recorded 12. Despite the Stars push back in the third period, the Stars were still unable to get any real solid scoring chances throughout.
Vegas Offence Comes Alive in the Second Period
Going into this game, Vegas needed offence and in a bad way. In their last four games, the Knights only scored four goals. Something the Knights are not accustomed to, but overcame quickly. In the second period of Game 2, the Knights goal scorers reminded us of what they can do. With 15:04 left in the second period, Vegas opened the scoring with a nice tap in goal from the slot by Paul Stastny. After that, it was all downhill for Dallas. Just over four minutes later, Vegas strikes again but this time on the powerplay. This time after a lazy turnover by Dallas defenceman Miro Heiskanen behind the net. William Karlsson rips the puck five-hole after a pass from Shea Theodore that gives the Knights a two-goal lead.
With all three goals coming in the second period, eight different Golden Knights players record points in this game. Paul Stastny leads the charge for the Vegas offence recording a goal and an assist. Stastny now has four points in his last three games. On top of that, the Vegas Golden Knights dominated the face-off dot. Finishing the period winning 59.5 percent of the face-offs led to more control for the Golden Knights. All-in-all the Golden Knights looked like their old selves again.
Bad Penalties for Dallas Lead to Loss
The Dallas Stars found themselves in the penalty box way more than they would have liked. By the end of the game, the Stars took 14 minutes worth of penalties. Which put the Golden Knights powerplay on the ice six different times. While the Knights were only able to capitalize on one power play. After two selfish penalties, Alexander Radulov alone had six minutes in penalties. Throughout the game, the Stars found themselves constantly having to kill off penalties, which completely ruined any flow the Stars were trying to establish.
Now that Game 2 is in the books, the Stars and Golden Knights are tied at one game apiece. Going into Game 3, there will certainly be a battle between the two netminders. Anton Khudobin continues to impress. The Stars need to find a way past Robin Lehner if they are to have a standing chance against Vegas throughout the rest of the series.
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