Morning Skate Report: April 8, 2023
Golden Knights visit Stars for one-game trip
By
Caylee Allard
VegasGoldenKnights.com
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: ABC/ESPN+
Radio: FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340
WATCH PARTY
Head over to Lifeguard Arena in Henderson to take in Saturday's action with fellow Golden Knights fans. There will be giveaways, prizes and members of the VGK staff on hand to watch Vegas take on Dallas.
NOTES
This is the last meeting between the Golden Knights and the Stars for the regular season. Vegas is 0-1-1 against Dallas this year.
PLAYOFF PICTUREPacific Division:
1. x-Vegas Golden Knights - 49-22-8, 106 points
2. x-Edmonton Oilers - 47-23-9, 103 points
3. x-Los Angeles Kings - 45-24-10, 100 points
Central Division:
1. x-Colorado Avalanche - 47-24-6, 100 points
2. x-Dallas Stars - 43-21-14, 100 points
3. x-Minnesota Wild - 44-24-10, 98 points
Wild Card:
1. Seattle Kraken - 44-26-8, 96 points
2. Winnipeg Jets - 43-32-3, 89 points
3. Calgary Flames - 37-27-15, 89 points
4. Nashville Predators - 40-30-8, 88 points
IF THE PLAYOFFS STARTED TODAY
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Winnipeg Jets
Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild
LAST TIME OUT
Vegas dominated the Kings, 5-2, on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena. After the Kings had their first goal disallowed in the opening period, the Golden Knights poured it on with four unanswered goals as Phil Kessel, Ivan Barbashev, Chandler Stephenson and Nicolas Roy found the back of the net. In the middle frame, Jonathan Marchessault extended Vegas' lead to 5-0. Los Angeles then scored twice to make it 5-2, but the Kings were unable to come back.
SEASON SERIES
The Golden Knights have yet to beat the Stars this season. They were shut out 4-0 on Jan. 16 and lost in the shootout, 3-2, on Feb. 25. Michael Amadio and Jack Eichel have scored against Dallas this year.
VGK SCORING LEADERS
Jack Eichel - 65 points (27G, 38A)
Chandler Stephenson - 63 points (15G, 48A)
Jonathan Marchessault - 56 points (27G, 29A)
Alex Pietrangelo - 53 points (11G, 42A)
Reilly Smith - 52 points (24G, 28A)
William Karlsson - 51 points (14G, 37A)
Ivan Barbashev - 44 points (16G, 28A)
Shea Theodore - 41 points (8G, 33A)
MILESTONE WATCH
Shea Theodore - four games away from 400 games as a Golden Knight
Chandler Stephenson - one game away from 250 games as a Golden Knight
Brett Howden - one game away from 100 games as a Golden Knight
Teddy Blueger - two points away from 100 NHL points
Reilly Smith - two goals away from 200 NHL goals
Shea Theodore - two assists away from 200 NHL assists
OPPOSITION UPDATE
The Stars are tied for first place in the Central Division with the Colorado Avalanche at 100 points and a 43-21-14 record. They are 6-3-1 in their last 10 matchups, most recently defeating the Philadelphia Flyers, 4-1 on Thursday. Jason Robertson leads the club in points with 103 (45G, 58A). Joe Pavelski is second in scoring with 75 points (26G, 49A) and Jamie Benn is third with 74 (32G, 42A).
A VEGAS VICTORY WOULD…
- Mark the 266th win in franchise history
- Mark the second time in franchise history the team has reached 50 wins in a season
- Give the Golden Knights a 9-3-2 record against the Stars all-time
KEYS TO THE GAME
Penalty kill:Dallas has the 6th ranked power play in the league. The Golden Knights gave up a shorthanded goal against the Kings, so it's important to not give up any against one of the best power play teams.
Hot offense: Vegas found the back of the net five times against Los Angeles and found production from multiple lines. The Stars have had the advantage over the Golden Knights so far this season, so keeping the offense rolling is key.
