Leafs feeling Golden after shootout win over Vegas Golden Knights

2) Let’s talk about Vegas

I have to give a tip of the cap to the Vegas Golden Knights in the game. In the summer, every team in the league would’ve written this game off as an easy two points. The thing is, Vegas makes up for the lack of top-end talent by out-working every team they play.

The new expansion team never gave up on the game and played great in front of their fourth-string goaltender Maxime Legace. It looked like they may have to go to CHL call-up Dylan Ferguson, after Zach Hyman ran over Legace midway through the game. However, the Vegas starter stayed in and shut the door to get his team a point.

Vegas gave themselves every chance to get both points in this contest. The shootout is an absolute gimmick and anything can happen, regardless of who’s shooting for each team.

James Neal has, in fact, been the real deal to start the season. He has 12 points in his first 14 games, including a goal in this contest. Alex Tuch looked good for the Knights, as did Nate Schmidt, Shea Theodore, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault.

They’ve got a good foundation and aren’t sneaking up on anyone going forward. Teams will have to come prepared for the Golden Knights, cause they bring it every time out.

Also, Brendan Leipsic didn’t score, so the Leafs aren’t in the habit of giving up goals to former players early on this season, which is great.