Morning Skate Report: June 13, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights can win their first Stanley Cup on home ice as they host the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Tuesday at 5 p.m. PT at FLA Live Arena. Vegas leads the series, 3-1.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: TNT, TBS, truTV
Radio: FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340 | Deportes Vegas 1460
VGK Today: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Soundcloud

TRAFFIC UPDATE
The Nevada Department of Transportation's I-15 Tropicana Project will have a major impact on many fans' travel to games at T-Mobile Arena. Road, ramp and lane closures will change throughout the two-and-a-half year project. The Vegas Golden Knights encourage fans to arrive early and stay late for games, but with some closures fans' typical routes to the arena will not be available. Please visit vgk.io/i15Trop for more information. Fans can also use traffic mobile apps like Waze which will be updated with road and ramp closures.

FAN ACTIVATIONS
GRAMMY-nominated artist Steve Aoki will perform for fans on Toshiba Plaza, located outside of T-Mobile Arena, on Tuesday starting at 3 p.m. PT. The concert will be free, and no ticket will be required to view the performance. Aoki's performance will conclude with a flyover featuring two F-15 and two F-35 fighter jets flown by pilots stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

In addition to Tuesday's live performance, local tattoo artist Joey Hamilton from Revolt Tattoos will return outside T-Mobile Arena before Game 5 offering free permanent or temporary tattoos of the team's logo. Golden Knights themed face painting will also be available for fans on Toshiba Plaza.

Gold battle towels will be placed on individual seats inside T-Mobile Arena for Game 5. Those with a ticket to the game are encouraged to download the Stadium FX mobile application on their iPhone or Android device to become part of the team's immersive experience during the pregame show. Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final is presented by Nevada Donor Network.

SERIES AT A GLANCE
Game 1: Golden Knights 5, Panthers 2 | Highlights
Game 2: Golden Knights 7, Panthers 2 | Highlights
Game 3: Panthers 3, Golden Knights 2 (OT) | Highlights
Game 4: Golden Knights 3, Panthers 2 | Highlights
Game 5: Tue., June 13: Panthers at Golden Knights, 5 p.m. PT (TNT, TBS, truTV)
Game 6: \Fri., June 16: Golden Knights at Panthers, 5 p.m. PT (TNT, TBS, truTV)
Game 7: \Mon., June 19: Panthers at Golden Knights, 5 p.m. PT (TNT, TBS, truTV)
\ = If necessary*

LAST TIME OUT
The Golden Knights defeated the Panthers, 3-2, in Game 4 on Saturday night at FLA Live Arena. Chandler Stephenson scored twice, once in the first period and once in the second, to put Vegas up 2-0. William Karlsson extended the lead to 3-0 halfway through the second period. Brandon Montour then cut the lead to 3-1 for Florida. Aleksander Barkov then scored to bring the Panthers within one. Despite Florida's late push, Vegas was able to hold on for the 3-2 win and a 3-1 series lead.

PLAYOFF SCORING LEADERSGolden Knights:
Jonathan Marchessault - 24 points (13G, 11A)
Jack Eichel - 23 points (6G, 17A)
Mark Stone - 21 points (8G, 13A)

Panthers:
Matthew Tkachuk - 24 points (11G, 13A)
Carter Verhaeghe - 17 points (7G, 10A)
Aleksander Barkov - 16 points (5G, 11A)

KEYS TO THE GAME
There's still work ahead:Despite being one win away from eternal glory, the Golden Knights know the job is not complete until win number four is secured. "There's a lot of work to be done," Reilly Smith said on Monday. "We're not looking too far ahead." It's crucial that Vegas remains confident but not complacent in Game 5.

Our house: In 2018, the Stanley Cup was lifted on Vegas ice by the opposition. Now, the Golden Knights have an opportunity to win it all in front of their fans in their own city. The motivation and support from the crowd can help lead the team to its ultimate goal.