Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights Dominate Panthers 7-2 in Game 2

The Vegas Golden Knights now have a 2-0 series lead in the SCF after a 7-2 win against the Florida Panthers.

The Golden Knights carried this game from start to finish, and the Panthers were outplayed from the first drop of the puck for the second game in a row. Vegas had its way with Florida, doing what it wanted with no response from the Panthers.

The Vegas Golden Knights lead the series 2-0 as it shifts to Florida.

Marchessault leading the way

Vegas forward Jonathan Marchessault led the way in Game 2 with two goals and one assist for three points in the Golden Knights’ offensive explosion. He has been flying in this series, now with three goals and one assist for four points in two SCF games. He is also a +3 and has three hits.

Everything he touches turns to gold, as he is one of the hottest players on the ice for Vegas. One has to wonder if this is a redemption tour in the SCF for Marchessault. He was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft from the Panthers, who seemingly gave up on him much too soon.

Hill stays hot for the Golden Knights

Vegas goaltender Adin Hill continues his hot streak of playing well. Although he gave up two goals in the third period, he was solid between the pipes once again. Hill is certainly playing his best hockey when it counts the most.

Hill has stopped 44 of the 47 shots he has faced in the SCF, earning a 1.50 GAA and a .939 save percentage. Hill was acquired from the San Jose Sharks on August 29, 2022, for a 4th round pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Right now, that trade looks like a steal for Vegas.

Florida needs answers for Game 3

The Panthers are in a big hole. Down in the series 2-0, they head to Florida for Games 3 and 4. Will this change the lack of luck Florida has had so far?

For Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, changes have to be made for Game 3. The lineup needs to be adjusted to shake things up. Nothing drastic, but this is the SCF, and there is no time to figure things out. Does he go with Sergei Bobrovsky or Alex Lyon in net?

Florida has been outplayed to say the least in Games 1 and 2, and the Panthers cannot afford to go down in the series 3-0. Someone on the roster needs to step up in Game 3, or this series will not be a long one.