Morning Skate Report: May 23, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights hit the road to try to extend their series lead against the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final at 5 p.m. PT at American Airlines Center. Vegas leads the series, 2-0.

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

WATCH PARTY
For Game 3 on Tuesday, May 23, The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin will be open to fans beginning at 4 p.m. PT, an hour ahead of puck drop at 5 p.m. PT. Tickets to a home game during the 2023 postseason, as well as a hockey stick previously used by William Karlsson, will be given away to fans during the game. Food trucks and drink stations will also be outside during the free event on Tuesday, including offerings from Foley Family Wines. Fans are encouraged to bring their own blankets and towels to sit on at The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin.

SERIES AT A GLANCE
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Stars 3 (OT) | Highlights
Game 2: Golden Knights 3, Stars 2 (OT) Highlights
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
Chandler Stephenson netted the overtime winner in Vegas' 3-2 victory in Game 2 on Sunday at T-Mobile Arena. After Miro Heiskanen scored early in the first, Mark Stone tied the game on the power play eight minutes later. In the second, Jason Robertson scored a power-play goal to put Dallas up 2-1. Then, with two minutes remaining in the game, Jonathan Marchessault scored to make it 2-2 and send the game to overtime. Stephenson scored the winner just one minute in.

PLAYOFF SCORING LEADERSGolden Knights:
Mark Stone - 15 points (6G, 9A)
Jack Eichel - 15 points (6G, 9A)
Chandler Stephenson - 13 points (7G, 6A)

Stars:
Roope Hintz - 22 points (10G, 12A)
Jason Robertson - 15 points (4G, 11A)
Joe Pavelski - 12 points (8G, 4A)

AROUND THE NHLWestern Conference Final:
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars (Vegas leads, 2-0)

Eastern Conference Final:
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Florida leads, 3-0)

KEYS TO THE GAME
One game at a time: Even though Vegas has a 2-0 lead in the series, it's important they don't get ahead of themselves because there's still work to be done. "At the end of the day, you're up 2-0. It's still one game at a time." Bruce Cassidy said Monday morning.

Shots, shots, shots: The Golden Knights were held to 10 shots on goal through two periods in Game 2 on Sunday. Once they started generating more in the third is when the magic happened and Marchessault tied the game. Taking more shots, especially on a goaltender like Jake Oettinger, is key.