The Vegas Golden Knights moved closer to winning their first Stanley Cup after defeating the Florida Panthers 3-2 in Game 4 last night in Sunrise, Florida. The series is going back to Vegas, where the Golden Knights will have a chance to clinch a title in front of their own fans.
THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS HAVE TAKEN A 3-1 LEAD IN THE STANLEY CUP FINAL!!!!!!! #UKnightTheRealm pic.twitter.com/s9KKmYVCjp
— z – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 11, 2023
The Golden Knights took a lead early in the first period, when Chandler Stephenson scored a goal 1:39 into the game with a Zach Whitecloud’s assist. Later in the second period Stephenson extended the lead with another goal and just three minutes later William Karlsson made it 3-0.
The Panthers attempted a comeback, managing to score two goals by Brandon Montour and Aleksander Barkov, who recorded his first point in the final series, but Vegas played strong defensively in the final minutes of the third period, securing the victory.
STEPHENSON HAS TWO! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/ot2OO4AOzd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 11, 2023
Another issue for the Panthers is Matthew Tkachuk’s injury. The Panthers player, who has become the leader of this team and one of the main favourites for the Conn Smythe Trophy during this postseason, suffered an injury after a Keegan Kolesar’s hit during Game 3. Yesterday he missed some shifts during the third period and refused to answer questions about his injury after the game.
"Just go out there and win one game; force them to come back to Florida."
Matthew Tkachuk meets with the media following tonight's loss 🎙@FlaPanthers | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/SepDaLDbNP
— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) June 11, 2023
Hockey News
Meanwhile in the AHL, the Coachella Firebirds took a 2-0 lead in the Calder Cup finals after defeating the Hershey Bears 4-0 last night. This is their second straight shutout in the series.
Back-to-back for Daccord 🧱@Firebirds | #CVvsHER | #CalderCup pic.twitter.com/3gl3cFsYLY
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) June 11, 2023
The NHL Scouting Combine finished yesterday in Buffalo and Connor Bedard was obviously the main headliner of the event.
"I'm my own person, I'm my own player."
Connor Bedard speaks on comparisons to Connor McDavid. pic.twitter.com/hLveR4mtHE
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 10, 2023
The Washington Capitals are reportedly discussing with other NHL teams about the availability of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha.
Capitals have reportedly "openly engaged teams" about Evgeny Kuznetsov and Anthony Mantha’s availability https://t.co/4Eev6Qhp2o
— RMNB (@rmnb) June 10, 2023
