Golden Knights Gameday Playoff Preview: Game 3 vs. Mammoth – Hockey Writers – Vegas Golden Knights
Welcome to another preview of the day for the Vegas Golden Knights. After splitting the first two games at home, the Golden Knights now travel to Salt Lake City, where the Utah Mammoth will be hosting their first playoff game since moving to Game 3 of their first-round series.
Golden Knights Playoff Day Game Preview: Game 3 at Mammoth (Series Tied 1-1)
The Golden Knights lost a chance to beat the Mammoths in Game 2 on Tuesday. Logan Cooley’s late goal secured a 3-2 win for Utah. Mammoth impressed, outscoring Vegas 13-4 in the second half. Any concerns about their threat to the 2023 Cup champions are over. Vegas pitcher Brett Howden admitted this after Game 2:
“We played our game a lot in the first half, and then we got out of it. They obviously had a push. They’re a good team, and we knew this wasn’t going to be easy. I think trying to keep playing in the offensive zone and hanging onto the puck (will help). We’re going to try to regroup here and be ready to go.”
Golden Knights’ Game 3 Projected Lineup (Subject to Change)
- Ivan Barbashev – Jack Eichel – Mark Stone
- Brett Howden – Mitch Marner – Pavel Dorofeyev
- Reilly Smith – Tomas Hertl – Keegan Kolesar
- Cole Smith – Nic Dowd – Colton Sissons
- Brayden McNabb – Shea Theodore
- Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson
- Jeremy Lauzon – Kaedan Korczak
- Carter Hart/Adin Hill
Golden Knights Playoff Team Leaders
Six players share the points lead: Stone, Marner, Hanifin, Eichel, Barbashev, and Sissons. Stone and Barbashev lead the team with two goals each, while Marner, Hanifin, and Eichel each have two assists. Lauzon and Andersson lead the penalty minutes list with four. Finally, Sissons and Smith have a plus-2 rating.
So far, Hart is the only goaltender to see action for Vegas, and is posting a 2.56 goals-against average (GAA) and a .935 save percentage (SV%).
Storyline #1- Cool Down Cooley
Mammoth has many offensive threats, but Cooley is the most dangerous. The 21-year-old is on fire as he has scored three goals and four points in his last five games, including the Game 2 winner.
Vegas needs to cool down Cooley, but this will be tough on the road. As the home team, Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny is expected to match Cooley against some of the best opponents. His speed is his biggest asset. Vegas should dictate the pace, and if they can slow down Cooley, they will have a strong chance to win the game and the series.
Storyline #2- Reuniting Under Tortorella
The Golden Knights have played well since John Tortorella took over as head coach on March 29. The loss in Game 2 was their first loss under Tortorella. Now, the Golden Knights must prove they can handle adversity on the road, especially after a home-ice loss and while visiting a city that is hosting its first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff game.
The Mammoths may have power and momentum, but the Golden Knights are experienced and led by a seasoned coach. That experience should help them block out distractions and focus on winning.
Storyline #3- “The Hart” of the First Two Games
Hart was strong to start the series. Even in the Game 2 loss, he gave up 26 shots, marking his first loss under Tortorella. Hart just needs to show he can shake it up and continue to play solidly at the net. The Utah crowd will be rocking, and an early/or bad goal allowed will increase the momentum even further for the Mammoths. It will be important for Hart to step up in the big time.
How to watch Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Game 3
The game can be seen on SCRIPPS locally. Nationally, it airs on TBS. It will also be available on HBO Max.
Be sure to check back Hockey Writers for additional playoff coverage.
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