Morning Skate Report: May 27, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights will have another chance to eliminate the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday at 5 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas leads the series, 3-1.

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

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.

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.

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.

SERIES AT A GLANCE
Game 1: Golden Knights 4, Stars 3 (OT) | Highlights
Game 2: Golden Knights 3, Stars 2 (OT) Highlights
Game 3: Golden Knights 4, Stars 0 | Highlights
Game 4: Stars 3, Golden Knights 2 (OT) | Highlights
Game 5: Saturday, May 27, 5 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena (ABC, ESPN+) | Tickets
\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
Vegas came up short, 3-2, in overtime against the Stars on Thursday night at American Airlines Center. William Karlsson opened the scoring for the Golden Knights just four minutes into the first period. Jason Robertson then tied the game on the power play with five minutes remaining in the period. Jonathan Marchessault gave Vegas the lead in the second, but Robertson tied the game once again. Joe Pavelski secured the overtime winner on the power play to give Dallas the 3-2 victory and their first win of the series.

PLAYOFF SCORING LEADERSGolden Knights:
Jack Eichel - 17 points (6G, 11A)
Mark Stone - 15 points (6G, 9A)
Jonathan Marchessault - 14 points (8G, 6A)

Stars:
Roope Hintz - 24 points (10G, 14A)
Jason Robertson - 17 points (6G, 11A)
Joe Pavelski - 13 points (9G, 4A)

AROUND THE NHLWestern Conference Final:
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Dallas Stars (Vegas leads, 3-1)

Eastern Conference Final:
Florida Panthers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Florida wins, 4-0)

KEYS TO THE GAME
Penalty kill:The Golden Knights allowed two power-play goals in Game 4, including the game-winning goal. Although they were disciplined and only took two penalties, the penalty kill must improve so they aren't caught in that situation again.

Home sweet home:Vegas fought hard the entire season to win the Western Conference which, in turn, gave them home ice advantage throughout the postseason. They may have been unable to close It out in Dallas, but closing it out on home ice with the crowd behind them would make the win that much sweeter.