LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Vegas Golden Knights lost their second straight overtime home game.
The Columbus Blue Jackets scored two unanswered goals, beating Vegas 2-1. The deciding goal came 51 seconds into overtime as Columbus forward Cole Sillinger hit the game-winner.
Knights scored first, as Tomáš Hertl beat Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins with his 20th goal of the season and extended his point streak to 11 games, the second longest in franchise history.
The loss drops Vegas to 31-15-5, as the Knights still sit in first place and tied with Edmonton in the Pacific Division.
After the game, Vegas players discussed the need to make it difficult on their opponents by getting into the “dirty areas” in front of the net.
“I know sometimes it hurts, but you know, if you want to score goals in this league, you know that’s how you do it,” said Knights forward Hertl.
Vegas had a goal disallowed for the second time in as many games, hurting especially as they only managed one goal through 60 minutes.
Head Coach Bruce Cassidy challenged his players at the time of the season when everybody is sore and tired. The veteran group understands the rigors of the game as the team approaches the mid-season break.
“They’ve been around. It’s the will to do it,” said Cassidy. “It will come back again, and hopefully, it comes back sooner than later.”
Knights are off until Sunday, when they begin a four-game road trip in New York against the Rangers.
