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Surging Golden Knights Visit David Perron and the Blues

December 12, 2019, 11:05 AM ET [0 Comments]
Jeff Paul
Vegas Golden Knights Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


Collecting points in six of their last seven games, the Vegas Golden Knights (16-12-5) seem to be surging. An incredible run with Malcolm Subban in goal, saw the team reel off an impressive four-game win streak, to close November and start December on a high note. While the momentum is clear, a dangerous opponent awaits the red-hot Golden Knights.

Original Golden Knight David Perron and the defending Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues (18-8-6) host the Golden Knights on Thursday evening. The Blues were the comeback story of 2018-19, going from worst to first, culminating with a cup. This season, the Blues have been performing as expected and have their strong goaltending to thank.

Both Jordan Binnington and Jake Allen have been stellar thus far in 2019. Both netminders boast sub-2.50 GAAs and Sv% numbers in the .920 range. Allen, who was displaced as the starter last season, has embraced his new role and flourished. Binnington continues to learn on the fly, with his Stanley Cup run being his sole season of NHL starting experience. His miraculous run was a memorable one and he continues to build on the faith instilled by Head Coach Craig Berube.

As of Tuesday evening, the Golden Knights' goaltending has also begun to normalize. Marc-Andre Fleury returned to action (personal), nearly posting a shutout in his first start since November 23. In Flower's absence, Subban did an admirable job with his first real run of ice time. He was able to get into a rhythm and show the team and fans alike what he can do when given the chance. Fleury is the unquestioned No. 1, but Subban has proven to be a reliable insurance plan.

Fleury got plenty of "run support" in his return as the Golden Knights hung five goals on Corey Crawford and the Chicago Blackhawks. Goals came from all over as Deryk Engelland and Ryan Reaves scored their respective first and third goals of the season. Reilly Smith continues to be a catalyst for the team and directly contributed to two goals, with outstanding individual efforts, resulting in a goal and an assist. A late - 27 seconds left in the game - power play goal spoiled Fleury's return shutout bid.

St. Louis is mired in a bit of a rough patch, looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Buffalo Sabres combined for a rough Eastern Conference slate of games. In those three losses, the Blues scored a mere four goals while giving up five in two of the three contests. Perron continues to be a consistent contributor, leading the team in scoring, but they need more consistency out of players like Ryan O'Reilly and Brayden Schenn, in Vladimir Tarasenko's absence.

Allen was excellent in mop up duty against the Maple Leafs, but took the L in Buffalo, so expect Binnington in net for this one. He will almost certainly take on Fleury shaping up for quite the goalie duel. The Golden Knights remain without centers Cody Eakin (Upper Body) and Cody Glass (Upper Body) and will rely heavily on the new guy, Chandler Stephenson.

It will be a quick turnaround for the Golden Knights, as they'll hit the road immediately after the Blues game. The second game of their road back-to-back comes in Dallas, a city where they have seen mixed results over the past three seasons. The Stars were victorious, by a score of 4-2, in their last Texas reunion, but fired Head Coach Jim Montgomery earlier this week.

The competition is fierce, but every point counts for the Golden Knights. They'll be looking to climb the divisional standings before hosting the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday, in a matchup between two talented Pacific Division clubs. As of now they're just outside the ever-revolving Pacific Division top three, but a few wins can go a long way.

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