Rivalry renewed, Tensions rise as GOLDEN KNIGHTS knock off SHARKS 6-4...
RECAP
San Jose, CA- The Vegas Golden Knights took the NHL by storm 2 years ago when they made a Cinderella run all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. One of the Teams they beat in the Playoffs, the San Jose Sharks.
"Yeah there's history between us absolutely." Sharks Winger Evander Kane stated.
Vegas lost in 5 Games to the Washington Capitals ending their epic story. Last year was a disaster for the Knights as numerous injuries to key Players like Mark Stone, Reilly Smith, Marc-Andre Fleury, Jonathan Marchessault among others derailed Vegas to a last place finish in the Western Conference.
This year however the Knights appear to be making a comeback in the Pacific Division.
And it started tonight against a old familiar foe.. The San Jose Sharks(15-5-3)
Sharks Captain Joe Pavelski's 11th goal of the year got the Fins on the board 1-0.
But then after that it was all Vegas...
Alex Tuch's 4th Goal of the year tied it up at 1-1 before the Golden Knights really opened it up in the Second Period when Ryan Reeves(2) and Paul Stastny(4) scored to give the Team from the desert a 3-1 lead heading into the Third Period.
"There's absolutely a rivalry going on between us. They really had our number since 2018. We beat them last year as they were going through struggles. Since that Team is healthy they really have proven they haven't missed a beat." Sharks Head Coach Peter DeBoer stated.
"We never liked San Jose we could care less about them, their sorry City, or their fans. We're proving last year was a fluke." Golden Knights Head Coach Gerard Gallant stated. "Also Peter(DeBoer) is an absolute Clown."
San Jose(15-5-3) battled back in the Third Period but then tensions exploded as Vegas Ryan Reeves knocked former Teammate William Karlsson down angering his long rival, Evander Kane.
"We don't like each other. I don't like him or his Team." Kane stated.
"I know it's part of Hockey but I seriously thought that hit was a little personal." Karlsson stated.
"Wild Bill" was traded to the Sharks back in the Off-Season as Vegas acquired Justin Braun in the trade who didn't suit up tonight nursing a injury.
The brawl kickstarted another Chapter in the Knights-Sharks rivalry.
San Jose roared back in the Third Period when Alternate Captain Logan Couture scored on the Power Play to get the Champions within one 3-2.
Erik Haula(5), Mark Stone(7), and Alex Tuch(5) all scored for Vegas.
Curtis Sawyer and Evander Kane(15) added to the cause but the Knights pulled away with the 6-4 victory.
Martin Jones made 26 saves for San Jose as Marc-Andre Fleury made 29 saves for Vegas.
On Monday tomorrow the Sharks(15-5-3) will begin a 3 Game Road trip on the West Coast. Their first will be Tuesday Night against the Anaheim Ducks(18-7) then Vegas(11-10-2) and a trip to Edmonton to meet the Oilers(8-13-2).