BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340
NOTES
This is the second meeting of the season between Vegas and Chicago.
Thursday's game is the final of a two-game road trip for Vegas. The Golden Knights defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-5 on Tuesday night.
SEASON SERIES
The Golden Knights played their home opener against the Blackhawks on Oct. 13. The game ended in a 1-0 Golden Knights win with the lone goal coming from Paul Cotter in the middle frame.
LAST TIME OUT
Vegas took down the Jets 6-5 on Tuesday night at Canada Life Centre. Mark Scheifele got the scoring started for Winnipeg halfway through the first period. Then, Daniil Miromanov scored his first NHL goal for the Golden Knights, tying the game 1-1. Mark Stone scored with less than two seconds remaining in the first to give Vegas a 2-1 lead. In the second period, Morgan Barron tied the game 2-2 for Winnipeg. Stone responded, scoring once again to put Vegas ahead 3-2. Sam Gagner tallied a goal before the end of the second, making it a tie game again, 3-3. In the final period, Scheifele scored once again to put the Jets on top 4-3. Jonathan Marchessault scored two power-play goals, bringing Vegas ahead 5-4. William Karlsson potted the empty net goal making it 6-4. Scheifele scored a final time to make it 6-5 with one second remaining, completing the hat trick.
VGK SCORING LEADERS
Jack Eichel - 29 points (13G, 16A)
Chandler Stephenson - 27 points (6G, 21A)
Jonathan Marchessault - 24 points (14G, 10A)
Mark Stone - 24 points (12G, 12A)
Shea Theodore - 22 points (4G, 18A)
Reilly Smith - 20 points (12G, 8A)
William Karlsson - 20 points (7G, 13A)
MILESTONE WATCH
William Karlsson - nine assists away from 200 assists
PACIFIC DIVISION PICTURE
Vegas Golden Knights - 21-9-1, 43 points
Seattle Kraken - 16-9-3, 35 points
Los Angeles Kings - 15-12-5, 35 points
Edmonton Oilers - 17-13-0, 34 points
Calgary Flames - 13-11-6, 32 points
Vancouver Canucks - 13-13-3, 29 points
San Jose Sharks - 10-16-5, 25 points
Anaheim Ducks - 7-20-3, 17 points
OPPOSITION UPDATE
The Chicago Blackhawks sit in last place of the Central Division with 18 points and a 7-16-4 record. They are currently on a four-game losing streak having lost to the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders. Their last win came on Dec. 3 against the New York Rangers. The Blackhawks' top points leader is Patrick Kane with 21 (4G, 17A). Max Domi is second with 20 points (10G, 10A) and Jonathan Toews is in third with 15 (9G, 6A).
A VEGAS VICTORY WOULD…
- Mark the 238th win in franchise history
- Give the Golden Knights a 11-2-1 record against the Blackhawks all-time
KEYS TO THE GAME
Offense: Vegas' biggest struggle at home this season has been scoring - but that's not the case on the road. Chicago is ranked 30th in the league for goals scored per game, so if the Golden Knights can continue to produce, they have a good chance of being victorious.
Goaltending: The Golden Knights have a clear goaltending advantage against the Blackhawks. Arvid Soderblom has a 3.18 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Petr Mrazek has a 4.37 GAA and a .873 save percentage. If Vegas' goaltenders remain solid, it will give the team an even better chance at winning.
