The Vegas Golden Knights got punched in the nose Thursday night. That's what happens in the playoffs when two strong teams collide. How they respond will be a most telling moment for this team.
The Golden Knights missed an opportunity to close out this opening round series falling 5-2 in San Jose to the Sharks.
The home team scored early and often as it would turn out and Vegas never led in the game. The Sharks had 2-0 and 3-1 leads but the Golden Knights were twice able to get with in one goal. Vegas pushed back but the Sharks pushed back harder and eventually won by three goals including one which was scored into an empty net in the fading moments of the third period.
San Jose won more games in the regular season than the Golden Knights and held home ice advantage when the series began. But a split of the first two games in San Jose and then a sweep of the next pair in Vegas gave the Golden Knights a 3-1 series lead prior to Thursday's game.
So, while the Game 5 was disheartening, it still leaves the Golden Knights with an opportunity to end the series on home ice in Vegas on Sunday. For their part, the Sharks now have a mission to force a Game 7 back in their building.
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