Morning Skate Report: May 21, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights continue their postseason run as they host the Dallas Stars for Game 2 at 12 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas leads the series, 1-0.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: ABC
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
On Toshiba Plaza, Golden Knights fans can await puck drop in a carnival-like atmosphere including a live DJ, food, and drinks. Local tattoo artist Joey Hamilton from Revolt Tattoos will return outside T-Mobile Arena before Game 1 and Game 2 offering free permanent or temporary tattoos of the team's logo. Chapel of the Flowers, a local wedding venue, will be providing vow renewal and wedding ceremonies free for fans on Friday and Sunday. All legally binding marriages require a license through the Clark County Marriage License Bureau.

Before Game 2 on Sunday, May 21, the #VegasSuperBall will be on Toshiba Plaza in celebration of Super Bowl LVIII. Fans are invited to take a photo with the large football attraction that will make numerous appearances across Southern Nevada throughout the year. Complimentary hair styling, beard dyes and trims from 101 Barbershop will also be outside before the game on Sunday morning. Fans without game tickets are invited to stay on Toshiba Plaza and watch the game live on the screen at the Allegiant Stage.

Inside T-Mobile Arena, battle towels will be placed on individual seats for every home game during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 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.

Official playoff merchandise is available for purchase now at The Arsenal at City National Arena.

SERIES AT A GLANCE
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Stars 3 (OT) | Highlights
Game 2: Sunday, May 21, 12 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena (ABC, ESPN+)
Game 3: Tuesday, May 23, 5 p.m. PT at American Airlines Center (ESPN, ESPN+)
Game 4: Thursday, May 25, 5 p.m. PT at American Airlines Center (ESPN, ESPN+)
\Game 5: Saturday, May 27, 5 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena (ABC, ESPN+)
\Game 6: Monday, May 29, 5 p.m. PT at American Airlines Center (ESPN, ESPN+)
\Game 7: Wednesday, May 31, 6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN, ESPN+)
* If necessary*

LAST TIME OUT
Brett Howden was the overtime hero in Game 1 on Friday night at T-Mobile Arena when Vegas defeated Dallas, 4-3. Jason Robertson scored first for the Stars in the opening frame, then William Karlsson tied it at 1-1 in the second period. Karlsson then scored his second of the night in the third, making it a 2-1 game. Roope Hintz tied the game again at 2-2. Teddy Blueger then scored his first playoff goal with the Golden Knights to give Vegas a 3-2 lead. Jamie Benn tied the game once again with two minutes remaining in the third period. Howden scored the winner just 1:35 into overtime.

PLAYOFF SCORING LEADERSGolden Knights:
Jack Eichel - 14 points (6G, 8A)
Mark Stone - 13 points (5G, 8A)
Chandler Stephenson - 11 points (6G, 5A)

Stars:
Roope Hintz - 22 points (10G, 12A)
Jason Robertson - 14 points (3G, 11A)
Joe Pavelski - 12 points (8G, 4A)

AROUND THE NHL
Western Conference Final:
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars (Vegas leads, 1-0)

Eastern Conference Final:
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Florida leads, 2-0)

KEYS TO THE GAME
Home sweet home: Vegas has had the privilege of home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. If they can secure a 2-0 series lead on home ice, it will give them some cushion before heading to Dallas for Games 3 and 4.

Center of attention: Bruce Cassidy recognizes one of the strongest positions for the Golden Knights is at center. "We're strong down the middle," Cassidy said on Friday after the win. "I think it's been a key to our team all year." Friday night's game consisted of Karlsson scoring twice and Blueger scoring once, both centermen. It's no secret that centers Jack Eichel and Chandler Stephenson have been firing on all cylinders this postseason, too. These players have made a key difference for Vegas over the course of the playoffs and the Golden Knights will need their continued production as this series goes on.