LAS VEGAS, Nev. (702 Times, NV Globe) –   Bruce Cassidy, the coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, often starts his fourth line because he likes how those three players set the tone.

That Thursday, they did more than just set.

In the Knights’ 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers, the fourth line had two goals and two assists, including William Carrier’s winner with 2:36 left.

Carrier’s goal was challenged by the Panthers for goaltender interference. The goal was allowed to stand after it was determined by officials that the Panthers’ Brandon Montour had pushed him into Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. The pass from Keegan Kolesar, a fourth-liner, found Carrier in the crease, which led to the scrum. Kolesar had assisted on the game’s second goal. Nicolas Roy scored the second goal of the fourth-line attack.

Cassidy stated that it would be crucial “if that line can continue to bring us offense.” It made up for some of our trials, so to speak, on the third line, trying to get guys up to speed, earlier this year. Therefore, we were able to win games in which that other line did not contribute secondary scoring. We can rely on this line.”

For the final margin, William Karlsson scored an empty-net goal.

The Knights, who have won four of their last five games, are now alone in first place in the Pacific Division with 58 points. They are two points ahead of Los Angeles and four ahead of Seattle.

After losing to the Kings 5-1 on Saturday, which Cassidy called “probably the most disappointing game of the year,” Vegas came back strong.

Adin Hill, the Knights’ goalie, said, “Saturday, we didn’t have our best performance.” Hill made 37 saves. It’s a lot. We took a brief break and got back on track. I thought our players were enthusiastic and played a great game when we arrived here.

In an unusual sequence, the Panthers scored just 2:02 into the game. Aaron Ekblad of Florida attempted to deke Hill during a breakaway, but he missed the right post. Even though the goal was off its moorings, Nick Cousins scored on the rebound.

Ekblad was hit by Vegas’ Ben Hutton, according to officials and the NHL office. Ekblad hit the net.

Mark Stone, a forward for the Knights, went into the locker room late in the first period and never came back. He had 38 points and 17 goals, which put him second on the team. Stone’s injury had not changed, according to Cassidy.

Jack Eichel of the Knights said, “It’s tough to see your captain go down in the first period.” On and off the ice, I think everyone here understands what it means to our group. However, other men stepped up.

In the second period, Roy for the Knights and Sam Reinhart for the Panthers traded goals. Against a Vegas team that had only given up one goal on the penalty kill in its previous 20 attempts, Reinhart scored on the power play.

With 4:37 left in the game, Anton Lundell scored from a tight angle for Florida, but Knights coach Bruce Cassidy challenged the play for being offside. The challenge was accepted, and the score stood at 2-1.

On a 5-on-3 power play, the Panthers had another opportunity to increase their lead by two early in the third, but they failed to score. During the 1:43 of the two-man advantage, they made only one shot on goal.

Reinhart stated, “We got an opportunity to a 5-on-3.” Avoid capitalization. When they wipe it out, you don’t win. Additionally, it gives them momentum.

When Kaedan Korczak discovered Eichel with an outlet pass for a breakaway opportunity, Vegas made the Panthers pay. The rest was done by Eichel, who tied the game at 8:37 of the third.

Notable: Matthew Tkachuk of Florida extended his point streak to five games. In that time, he has contributed four goals and five assists. In his 13 games against Vegas, he has nine goals and nine assists.

Next for the Panthers: Saturday, against Vancouver at home.

Knights of Light: Saturday, against Edmonton at home.

Credits: FOX 5 VEGAS

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