Samsonov mades 36 saves in Golden Knights win

Ilya Samsonov stopped 36 shots in the Vegas Golden Knights’ 4-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.

Nicolas Roy, Tomas Hertl, Jack Eichel, and Nicolas Hague all scored for the Golden Knights (42-20-8), who have won three in a row. Alex Pietrangelo had two assists.

“We defended pretty well,” Pietrangelo said. “A lot of our offense comes from when we take care of our end. I know we gave up [38] shots, but I thought we did a really good job around our net. We’re defending well, especially on the rush, and it seems like tonight they’re really good on the rush. I just feel like three different teams. Three different [standing] positions, but we can play any style, right? We can adjust to who we’re playing against.”

Samsonov Stellar In Net

Samsonov was spectacular in the net, making a big save after a big save. The Lightning are a prolific shooting team, averaging 28.9 shots per game.

He’s 3-1-1 in his last five starts, given up 13 goals and saved 113 shots.

“’Sammy’ has been really good for us,” Roy said. “Player of the game for sure today. … He’s been confident lately, and it’s good to see. Really good game from him.”

Golden Knights Second PP Unit

A bulk of the Golden Knights’ power-play success has come thanks in part to the first unit, powered by the big names of Eichel, Hertl and Mark Stone.

Against the Lightning, it was the second unit that came through to break the game wide open for the Golden Knights when Roy went bar down to open the game’s scoring at 11:02 of the first period.

“Power play’s been good mostly all year,” Roy said. “Obviously, as the second unit, if we can help the first unit and get a couple goals there, it’s always huge.”

The second unit has benefited immensely from a returning William Karlsson, who offers more stability. Roy said his return has been valued in all areas.

“He’s one of our veterans,” Roy said.

He plays BK, plays big minutes, plays against the best lines on the other side. So, it’s really nice to have him back, for sure.

Hertl Injured

Hertl sustained an upper-body injury after being boarded by Lightning forward Emil Lilleberg at 14:11 of the third period. The Golden Knights forward came off the ice favoring his arm and did not play the remainder of the game.

“He’s getting evaluated now and again tomorrow,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He was sore when he came off, so we’ll see. We’ll maybe get good news tomorrow.”