Locked On Golden Knights - Daily Podcast On the Vegas Golden Knights

Much maligned VGK players Ivan Barbashev and Brett Howden both broke through in last night's 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth.  The Golden Knights had a total team effort, but Barbashev scored two goals, after being moved to the third line, and Howden scored his first goal in eight games on a deflection of a Karlsson shot. Victor Olaffson had three points on a goal and two assists. Mitch Marner had three assists last night.  VGK improved to 9-0 when scoring first, tops in the NHL.  We have our 20-game checkin and ask if VGK is a Contender or Pre...

Utah gets a chance at "redemption" tonight according to the Mammoth's Logan Crouse as they skate into Las Vegas to cap off a six-game road trip. Utah was able to charge its batteries with a two-game break in which they were able to go home.  They are 2-2-1 on the road but they look to turn up the volume tonight in a rematch against the Golden Knights from their playoff series last season.  VGK comes off a solid four-game road swing in which they collected seven of eight points.  They returned home to find Noah Hanifin will be out...

Mitch Marner set the Golden Knights record as the fastest player to hit 100 points.  He did it in 98 games with the assist onTomas Hertl'a first goal in Buffalo.  His record was accomplished in five fewer games than Mark Stone. Next, Marner sets his sights on becoming the first VGK player to hit the 100-point plateau in a season.  He already has 20 points in 19 games. VGK faces a tough stretch in which they play 9 games over the next 18 days.  And, our takes on Connor Hellabuyck not playing in Winnipeg tonight. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money...

The Golden Knights return back to Las Vegas having secured seven of eight points on the road.  VGK defeated the Sabres Sunday as Jack Eichel scored the eventual game-winner and Tomas Hertl scored twice in a 4-1 victory.  We talk about the Golden Knights defense and goaltending and how it has improved in those areas.  VGK has allowed two or fewer goals in 6 of its last nine games.  And Tomas Hertl scored twice yesterday in the dub.  He has scored eight of his nine goals on the road this season.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real...

Trevor Connelly is becoming the Golden Knights go-to player in crunch time. Connelly was clutch for a third straight game.  He scored the game-tying goal in Boston late in the third period.  He had the equalizer in Pittsburgh on Tuesday midway through the third period.  And, Thursday night Connelly scored the game winner with 1:42 remaining in Detroit. Connelly went with the toe drag. Michael Rasmussen got a piece of the shot on the deflection, and the Red Wings Mo Seider saw the puck deflect off him.  We have a preview of VGK vs Buffalo on Sunday.  And, our WTF segme...

The Golden Knights should get a boost as Victor Oloffson is expected to return to the lineup after playing in four games early in the season and scoring four goals.  Olofsson should slot in on the third line for starters, but with his versatility, he could be moving up in the lineup.  VGK faces a Detroit Red Wings team that has been playing without Dylan Larkin, as the team tries to move him based on his trade demands.  Detroit is in last place in the rugged Atlantic Division, but is just six points out of first place.  The Golden Knig...

Special teams led the way for VGK last night in Pittsburgh.  VGK's Tomas Hertl scored twice, including the game-winner in the late stages of the contest and VGK killed 6 Penguins power plays including a 5 on 3 in the victory.  Hertl is among the NHL leaders in high danger shots again this season.  He finished fourth in the league a season ago. Brett Howden and Ivan Barbashev switched lines last night as Ryan Craig tries to get those to players going offensively.  And, Trevor Connelly has been clutch the first half of this road trip. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select state...

The Golden Knights lost in a shootout in Boston last night to start the four-game road trip. The rallied from a 2 goal deficit and tied the game in regulation on a Trevor Connelly goal.  The shootout wasn't good as VGK was blanked on attempts by Connelly, Eichel and Marner. VGK fell 3-2.  The Golden Knights dropped to 1-3-2 in their last six.  Ryan Craig afterward said the game was "something to build on."  We have to question the urgency of the the club through the first 16 games. Stone and Connelly scored goals and Mitch Marner set a team reco...

Ryan Craig said VGK got away from their team game and didn't protect the puck in Friday's 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils.  He said the team got frustrated and asked "Can you get back to work when it doesn't go your way?"  Turnovers by Ville Heinola, William Karlsson and even Jack Eichel resulted in New Jersey goals. We are not sure who might have pouted, but it could have been some of the younger players on the team.  Ivan Barbashev said afterward that the Golden Knights allowed too much space in the game.  Craig also wants VGK to g...

It should be a fun and entertaining Nevada Day contest between the Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils.  VGK broke its three-game losing streak earlier this week in a win over Ottawa.  The Golden Knights Adin Hill got a spot start in place of Carter Hart, who was injured during the pre-game skate. Despite getting helped off the ice Tuesday, Hart was back at practice yesterday and could be a starter early next week at the start of the five-game road trip.  Good news for the Golden Knights as well as Victor Olafsson returned to the ice after was inj...

The Golden Knights thought they had stepped off the goalie merry-go-round, but instead the Carter Hart injury Tuesday put Adin Hill in net and renewed questions about the teams depth.  Hart was injured in the pre-game skate and was helped off the ice, forcing Hill into net. Cameron Whitehead stayed up with the club as the backup on Wednesday.  Carl Lindbom would be the third string goalie but he's injured and listed as day-to-day.  Pavel Moysevich was in the cage in Henderson last night and Alex Tracy was recalled to the Silver Knights from Tahoe.  Goalie carousel indeed.  We talk...

Two players that weren't expected to be in the lineup vs Ottawa turned out to be the stars of the game for the Golden Knights.  Adin Hill got the spot start when Carter Hart was injured in practice earlier Tuesday.  VGK had to adjust on the fly and Adin Hill was called on to start in the cage.  Hill made several spectacular saves including diving for the puck out of his crease on a Ridley Greig breakaway stop that resulted in a VGK goal the other way seconds later.  Raphael Lavoie was not expected to play, but when Hart got...

Ryan Craig made line changes at yesterday's practice session at City National.  Ville Heinola and Jonas Rondbjerg were called up.  Heinola was skating with Rasmus Andersson and Rondbjerg on the fourth line. Craig will also welcome back Mitch Marner, who missed the last two games as his wife delivered their second child. VGK faces a tough Ottawa Senators team, one which needs another win this month to set its all-time franchise record for October.  VGK's Craig is searching for answers as the Golden Knights have dropped three straight games. We ask whether Craig is panicking already in his first sea...

Ryan Craig said he was looking for energy from his team and might not have found it until the third period in Columbus Saturday night.  The Golden Knights had nothing to show for their late push in the final period and wound up losing in overtime to the Blue Jackets 2-1.  Craig was searching for answers mixing up the lines and the Eichel, Stone and Connelly line might have had the most jump in the game.  The Golden Knights gave up a bogus goal that went off the camera hole and the sharp angle overtime goal.  The only VGK goal...

The Golden Knights lost a 6-2 decision in consecutive games, this time falling on the road to St. Louis. Again, it was VGK's poor puck management that plagued them. The defense was also exposed and Adin Hill had his first loss of the season. VGK chased the game, trailing 2-0 early.  Brett Howden and Jack Eichel scored the VGK goals to narrow the deficit to one on a couple of occasions, but the Blues scored three straight in the third period to pull away for the win.  The short road trip continues Saturday as the Golden Knights travel to Co...

The Golden Knights will have to bounce back from their worst loss of the season.  We are guessing Ryan Craig will simplify the game for VGK tonight after a number of costly turnovers in the 6-2 loss to Tampa Bay.  The Golden Knights were chasing the game and were "too cute" according to Ryan Craig, which led to an up and down the ice affair.  Alexander Holtz was called up from Henderson yesterday.  Is his call-up an insurance policy for the road swing, will he replace someone like Lavoie, or was a player like William Karlsson injured in the Ligh...

The Golden Knights fell to the Lightning 6-2 in last night's contest at T-Mobile Arena.  Four of Tampa's goals were unassisted in a turnover-filled up-and-down the ice affair.  The two biggest turnovers came when Jack Eichel gave up the puck in front of the crease and Anthony Cirelli scored the first of his two goals.  A turnover on a lazy Rasmus Andersson pass led to a Nikita Kucherov breakaway goal.  Andersson was also caught up in a bad line change that gave John Carlson a clear path to the net and he beat Carter Hart on a rebound.  Ivan Barba...

Our lively debate about whether the fast start is Fool's Gold for VGK.  Among the topics:  is this pace sustainable, how Ryan Craig has managed the team, goaltending and defensemen, and Cup contender?

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-8...

VGK will face a Tampa Bay team that has given up the fourth fewest shots on goal this season when the two teams tangle tonight at T-Mobile Arena.  We shouldn't see open ice the way we did with recent games versus Calgary, Nashville and even Pittsburgh.  This is the first of three games against Western Conference contenders for Tampa.  The Lightning are 5-0 at home and have two losses, both to the Rangers.  They have plenty of firepower to score, so VGK will also have to cover a lot of ice defensively.  We discuss the impact Jack Eichel has had o...

VGK's defensemen scored half of the team's goals in Saturday's 6-2 win over a tired Pittsburgh Penguins team. Rasmus Andersson and Noah Hanifin started off the scoring in the first four minutes and Shea Theodore added a goal later in the game.  VGK ran its current win streak to three games.  One of the highlights of the game came on a Trevor Connelly steal of Sidney Crosby and dashing down ice to score his fourth goal.  Adin Hill got his fourth win of the season.  We assess VGK through its first ten games of the season and how Ryan Crai...

Mark Stone scored a natural hat trick with all three goals coming in the third period, to propel VGK to a 6-2 win over the hapless Flames. The Golden Knights got on the board early on a Brett Howden goal just :25 into the game.  That set the tone.  VGK went ahead 2-0 on a Jack Eichel steal and breakaway goal. Braeden Bowman scored a goal and it was off to the races.  Carter Hart got the win in net for VGK.  We preview the Golden Knights-Penguins game Saturday night as the Pens come into town on the tail end of a...

The Golden Knights are looking to bank points not only tonight, but during a stretch that sees them play five of their next seven games at home.  VGK comes off the road split and the Calgary Flames are hoping to build on their first win of the season in Anaheim.  The Flames are going through a rebuild. Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay are also on this homestand.  We talk about Tomas Hertl and how he is off to the fast start with seven points and four goals.  He is leading a line with two rookies Connelly and Lavoie. He is play...

Five different Golden Knights scored goals in Nashville last night as VGK split the road trip and and back-to-back with a 5-2 win against the Predators,  William Karlsson scored his second goal in two nights to give VGK the lead late in the second period. And, Trevor Connelly and Brett Howden scored insurance goals late.  VGK's penalty kill gave them momentum after two penalties expired.  VGK scored :10 after the PK was successful on a Tomas Hertl goal.  And Jack Eichel scored his fourth goal of the season four-seconds after a penalty expired.  We talk about the VGK Power(less) Play...

The Golden Knights trailed for a third time this season by at least three goals. They were only able to rally once for a win, that was against the Maple Leafs. Monday night they trailed 3-0 and couldn't come all the way back in a 4-2 loss to the Wild. VGK plays its third game in four nights tonight in Nashville.  We have a preview.   And, we have our Locks, Props and Chance for the game. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Res...

The Golden Knights had their sellout streak end last week after 420 sellouts of T-Mobile Arena.  We address what some of the issues might be that are causing ticket sales to stall in this special edition. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mitch Marner lifted the Golden Knights to an overtime win on Saturday, 2-1 over the L.A. Kings to extend the team's win streak to four games, before hitting the road on a back-to-back starting tonight in Minnesota, then VGK travels to play Nashville on Tuesday.  Trevor Connelly scored the other VGK goal in regulation on the power play and he added an assist.  We preview the game tonight against the Wild, and VGK has a response to lagging ticket sales. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bet...

Trevor Connelly scored the game winning goal in a shootout and VGK rallied from a 3-0 deficit to top the Maple Leafs 4-3. Both Connelly and fellow rookie Braeden Bowman scored in the five round shootout, which showed Ryan Craig has a lot of confidence in his former Silver Knights teammates.  Adin Hill shook off a miserable start, letting up his first goal in the first minute of the game.  Toronto scored on 3 of its first 8 shots.  After that, Hill stood on his head and VGK rallied behind goals by Mark Stone, Brett Howden and Jack Eichel, who potted his...

The Toronto Maple Leafs return to T-Mobile Arena for a second time - but it appear Toronto fans still harbor hard feelings toward their hometown star.  Mitch Marner was a scapegoat for the Leafs lack of success in Toronto.  Fans were not thrilled he didn't sign an extension to stay with the team and talked at the end of last season about "dark times" in Toronto,  VGK will probably play without Victor Olafsson tonight - he was rammed into the boards on a dirty play Tuesday night in Seattle.  We will see who Ryan Craig goes to, Both teams look...

VGK was in control of last night's game in Seattle.  Everything was clicking as the Golden Knights they scored 5v5, on the power play twice, and even had a shorthanded goal by Mark Stone.  VGK after two periods had chased goalie Joey Daccord.  But the third period was filled with a lot of action.  Everything started with a boarding penalty on Ben Meyers that injured Victor Olaffson, who already had two goals in the game and four for the young season. VGK players including Mark Stone and Marc Gatcomb dropped the gloves in Olaf's defense. A total of 65 penalty minu...

VGK looks to go 2-0 on the short road trip tonight when they face the Kraken in Seattle.  The Kraken have erupted for six goals on two occasions against the Flames.  VGK looks to slow down the Kraken tonight. They have a young and speedy roster.  We talk about VGK's fourth line building trust. And, Locks, Props and Chance.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG...

The Golden Knights were able to roll a four-line rotation and in the end VGK's depth paid off.  It was especially noticeable in the third period when the Canucks were fatigued on the tail end of a back-to-back. Marc Gatcomb delivered the game-winner in the second period just 34 seconds after the Canucks tied it.  It was the second game in which VGK showed a strong response following an opponent's goal. We discuss whether VGK should keep Victor Olafsson on the top power play unit, after he scored his second goal this season on the man-advantage.  And, we critique Adin Hil...

VGK fell 4-3 to Anaheim Friday night after spotting the Ducks four early goals. Parker Wotherspoon and Rasmus Andersson were both a -3 in the game as the defense faltered.  Carter Hart started his 24th consecutive game. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Golden Knights face the revamped Anaheim Ducks Friday night at the Fortress.  VGK comes off a season-opening victory over the Blackhawks, while the Ducks are playing their first game of the season.  The Ducks have seven players under 22 years old. They lost a lot of veterans in the offseason. But they did sign Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million deal after matching his offer sheet. They also extended Cutter Gauthier, the left winger, to a new six year, $13.5 million contract.  VGK should have an advantage after playing a game following the shortened pre-season.  We have Locks, Props, and Chan...

William Karlsson, who has only played in 67 of 164 games the past two seasons, was inked to a two-year contract extension worth $6.75 AAV. It appears to be a loyalty contract for VGK's second leading all-time scorer.  VGK extended Mark Stone earlier in September.  Karlsson has 165 goals and 403 points with the Golden Knights. We talk about the value of the Golden Knights organization, and we discuss Bill Foley and Jerry Colangelo teaming up in an effort to win an NBA franchise bid.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable fre...

The Golden Knights outclassed the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 in the season opener.  It also marked the debuts of head coach Ryan Craig and forward Trevor Connelly, who scored his first NHL goal. Four other VGK players scored goals, including Victor Olafsson on the power play.  Chris breaks down some issues with the power and we talk about the youth movement - with Connelly and Braeden Bowman - on the Bottom Six.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See ter...

Ryan Craig said he expects VGK's urgency level to go way up tonight as his team takes the ice to begin Season Ten in Las Vegas.  This will be Craig's first game as the head coach for the Golden Knights after years as an assistant and as the head coach of AHL Henderson. VGK has a veteran group but will have to replace the scoring of Pavel Dorofeyev.  Trevor Connelly will make his first NHL start tonight on the third line.  The bottom six is still a question mark.  We also have predictions for the upcoming season and the retu...

The Golden Knights waived five players Sunday as the team prepares to send the league its opening day roster by this afternoon.  After the move it appears Trevor Connelly has made the roster and will be a starter on the wing.  The 13th forward appears to be Raphael Lavoie, who netted 30 AHL goals in Henderson.  The seventh defenseman is expected to be Dylan Coghlan. Alexander Holtz, Jonas Rondbjerg, Tanner Laczynski, Antii Tuimisto and Ville Heinola were waived.  We recap Saturday's final dress rehearsal and we discuss preseason goalie concerns.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real mone...

The Golden Knights rallied for three goals in the third period to force overtime and Jack Eichel scored the game-winner just :39 into the extra period.  VGK trailed by two goals, but came back as the mostly veteran lineup turned it up in the final period.  The teams also practiced the shootout following the game. We talked about the shaky play from Adin Hill - as he let up some bad goals and wasn't moving his feet in net. And, VGK's newly-minted power play unit found the net one time on a Mark Stone tap in.  We preview the final dre...

The Golden Knights host the Utah Mammoth as the regular season draws near.  VGK will play most of its veterans and what could be the opening day lineup tonight. Adin Hill is expected in net, but we should see all four lines and defensemen we will see on opening night.  This could become a spicy affair! We could see spillover from the playoff series, which got heated at times.  We have the latest cuts as VGK has to still cut five players in advance of Tuesday's opener against the Blackhawks.  A handful of players still need to step up.  And...

Braeden Bowman ignited VGK first by replacing Jonas Rondbjerg in the third period on a skating line with Tanner Laczynski and Alex Holtz, which led to Holtz goal.  Then he potted the game-winner in the shootout as VGK went on to win in San Jose 2-1.  We also discuss who might be VGK's 13th forward.  And we analyze Juho Piiparinen's first NHL preseason game and what is next for the budding superstar.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at...