Vegas Continues To Have The Best Atmosphere In Hockey
Everything about a hockey game on the Strip in Las Vegas is loud...
...over-the-top...
…and a shit load of other buzz-words.
It may not be traditional, but that is sort of the point. One of my critiques of the Vegas Golden Knights branding since entering the league is that they didn't really embrace the chaos of the city enough. They finally added the ridiculous gold sweaters and helmets, as well as the reverse retro red sweater. The visual identity is finally catching up with what the Fortress delivers on a nightly basis in terms of matching the city's energy.
A loud start to the semi-finals for Vegas.
JEFF D HOCKEY GAME ANALYSIS:
Montreal came out hot, which makes sense given the bit of extra rest and the clear fact that they're a step below Vegas. It worked early and there were a few moments you thought they'd stuff one in, but once Shea Theodore found the back of the net halfway through the first period, the game seemed over.
…and then he broke Carey Price's ankles with a great fakeout and assist…
…and it was truly over. Carey Price, as expected, made some wild saves to keep the game within reach, but the Knights were their usual relentless selves and are clearly the best team the Canadiens have faced all season. It sounds fucking stupid to try and flex on people that I've said they're the best team in hockey all season, considering they tied for the most points with the Avs (and would've run away with the Presidents' Trophy had the Wild not owned them), but it just felt like everyone had a different team they wanted to crown as the season went along.
But also, what the fuck do I know?
Seriously, I don't know much.
I'm a Vegas Golden Knights fan since before they had a nickname, as I needed a team to root for as a team-less fan my whole life. Picking an expansion team that immediately makes the Stanley Cup is quite the stroke of luck. And I've learned my way around the game since they popped up in the NHL, but I still largely have no fucking idea what I am talking about when it comes to the actual breakdown of the game of hockey.
I do know this, though: Marchessault remains my favorite player, Wild Bill Karlsson is the best nickname, Flower is a legend, Stone is elite, Nate hates Ryan Reaves, Alex Tuch is a magician in open ice, and, of course, the Vegas Golden Knights are the best team in hockey.
NINE DOWN.
SEVEN TO GO.