Golden Knights Pick Up Energetic 3-1 Win Vs. Ducks

In the second of a five-game homestand, the Vegas Golden Knights used a complete 60-minute effort to notch a 3-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
HOW IT WENT DOWN
Anaheim swarmed the Golden Knights early on in the first period, but after changing the pace and getting some clean breakouts, Vegas was able to generate some consistent chances in enemy territory. A power-play goal from William Karlsson with 13.7 seconds left to play in the first boosted the team's energy and built the momentum heading into the second period. Midway through the frame, Ryan Reaves netted a rebound goal off a Nick Holden slapshot for his first score of the season. Anaheim answered back early in the third with a goal from Ben Street to cut the lead in half. John Gibson had to make some big stops with the Golden Knights pressing for most of the third. With Gibson on the bench for the extra attacker, Reilly Smith set up Jonathan Marchessault for an empty-netter to lock in the 3-1 win.

TURNING POINT
Reaves' goal gave Vegas some important secondary scoring which helped against a powerful Anaheim team. The goal from the fourth line was key to helping the Golden Knights head into the third up 2-0. Vegas' fourth line was a dominant force and fueled the team's tank in the statement victory.
TOP PERFORMERS
Ryan Reaves: Reaves played 11:48 in the game and his first goal of the season stood as the game-winner.
William Karlsson:Karlsson's power-play strike in the dying seconds of the first period quickly gave Vegas an edge heading into the first intermission.
Marc-Andre Fleury:Fleury took sole possession of 10th all-time in victories as he made 17 saves for his 408th career win.
John Gibson:Gibson kept the Ducks in the game with 42 stops on 44 shots.
TAKEAWAYS
Power Play Production: Vegas scored only one goal on five power play chances, but each opportunity provided the Golden Knights with ample scoring bids.
Huge Two Points: The Golden Knights returned to .500 with the win tonight over the Pacific Division-leading Ducks. The confidence from Saturday's win will help Vegas as they meet another division foe on Wednesday in the Vancouver Canucks.