AP
Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner (90) tries to stop Vancouver Canucks’ J.T. Miller (9) during the second period of Game 2 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Edmonton, Alberta. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP)
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020 | 2 a.m.
The Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks are tied at one game apiece in their best-of-seven game playoff series.
Game 3 is at 6:45 p.m. tonight on NBC Sports Network.
Here are three keys to victory for Vegas, sponsored by Credit One Bank.
Start on time
Vegas has scored first in six of its 10 playoff games — winning all six of those contests. It’s imperative that the Golden Knights come out aggressive in the first period of Game 3 and don’t fall behind. That’s what happened Tuesday in Game 2, when Vancouver scored two quick goals and Vegas was forced to play from behind the rest of the way.
Tighten up the defense
A big reason why the Canucks were able to jump out to the early lead was because of Vegas’ defensive struggles. Three of the four goals against Robin Lehner came with no defense between the goalie and shooter, allowing the Canucks to get a clean look at the net from down low. Look for the Golden Knights’ defense to play a more structured game.
Get physical
The Canucks are fast and can score, but their skilled players can’t match the size that Vegas brings. In Game 1, the Golden Knights registered 54 hits on the Canucks and saw that number dip to 38 in Game 2. The Golden Knights bullied the Canucks in their Game 1 win. Vancouver had more room to skate in Game 2, and though that wasn’t the reason they lost, keep an eye on if the Golden Knights increase the physicality the rest of the way.
