The Golden Knights’ losing woes continued Tuesday night on Long Island, as they dropped their fourth straight game in a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders.
After trailing 1-0 for much of the game, thanks to a Bo Horvat goal in the first period gave the Islanders the lead, the Golden Knights tied the game in the third period when newcomer Brandon Saad scored his first goal for Vegas in just his second game with the team after the team signed him on a one-year contract last Friday.
But three minutes later Brock Nelson potted his 16h of the season to put New York back on top by a goal.
In the two games against the Islanders this season, New York outscored Vegas, 6-1.
“It wasn’t like we were poor,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “We just couldn’t generate enough to put them on their heels. And this is a team we scored one goal against in two games (this season). We did acknowledge you can’t play catch up. It’s tough. It’s difficult.”
Islanders netminder Ilya Sorokin was solid in stopping 33 of the 34 shots he faced.
Vegas’ Ilya Samsonov faced just 14 shots, and saved 12 of them. The 14 shots allowed was the lowest this season and tied for the fewest allowed in franchise history.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
HAPPY WITH SAAD: Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy believes Saad will blend in well with his forward lines, after the veteran forward snapped a 10-game scoreless drought – nine with St. Louis and his first contest with Vegas.
“I like his game,” Cassidy said. “The other night he got some looks. He’s an experienced player in the league and has performed well everywhere he’s been. He’ll perform well here. So good for him to go to the net (and) get a rebound. … I like Brandon’s game.”
ROAD WOES: The loss dropped the Golden Knights to 12-11-3 on the road, including six losses in its last seven away from Vegas. Conversely, the Knights are 19-6-3 inside T-Mobile Arena. And while the Knights are allowing 2.77 goals per game this season – including 2.43 at home – they’re allowing 3.16 on the highway.
RECORD LOSING STREAK: The Golden Knights have now lost four straight for the second time this season and eighth time in franchise history. They’ve lost five in a row just three times since joining the league (2018-19, 2019-20 and 2021-22). They’ve been outscored 44-35 during their 3-8-3 slide since Jan. 9.
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