Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy was in a good mood following his team’s 4-3 win in Game 5 at T-Mobile Arena. The win gave the Golden Knights a 3-2 series lead and a chance to eliminate the Edmonton Oilers Sunday in Game 6. The not-insignificant side plot was William Karlsson’s new family.
Karlsson’s wife gave birth early Friday, and the new dad had only a few hours of sleep, but fortunately, “I’m a good napper,” he joked.
Bruce Cassidy:
Cassidy left his media press conference in stitches with a riff on more babies and calling the boys in July to “get busy.”
It was a great moment following the game, and the laughter (from Cassidy and us crusty media types) only underscored that. Cassidy also praised his PK for saving the game despite giving up three power-play goals, “Weird, right?”
Karlsson is the fourth member of the Golden Knights in recent weeks to have a baby. And Cassidy might start calling players this summer to make a few more, “let’s get to work, fellas,” he joked.
The first eight minutes are the important stuff. The last minute is the fun stuff.
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William Karlsson:
Karlsson was matched against Connor McDavid for much of Game 5, and the Edmonton center was again neutralized at even strength. The new father recounted the joyous night and his very understanding wife, who insisted he go home and sleep for Game 5.
“Bit different. Bit different preparation-wise. I didn’t get much sleep, but I got a long nap, and I felt pretty good coming in,” Karlsson said. “The little guy is doing great. Mom as well.”
It didn’t matter how much or little sleep Karlsson had; the Golden Knights forward stuck to McDavid, helping the Golden Knights to the verge of advancing.
Karlsson couldn’t stop smiling.
Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault:
Eichel is using the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs as his coming out party. The Vegas Golden Knights center responded to McDavid’s power-play goal just 50 seconds later by going to the net and banging in a rebound to tie the game.
Eichel was modest, but he’s showing he can be a 200-foot center with some offensive pop and some grit. While McDavid feasts on the power play, Eichel scored his goal in the dirty areas at even strength.
Later in the second period, the Golden Knights reeled off three goals in 89 seconds. T-Mobile Arena was absolutely rocking. The building is too big to shake, but the thundering and relentless energy from the fans launched the Golden Knights.
Marchessault said the players could hear it and feel it.
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