Three takeaways from the Golden Knights’ 5-2 loss

Logan Thompson had a stellar night in the net for the Capitals. He made 39 saves and froze the puck at critical times when the Golden Knights were hovering around the net.

Thompson spent four seasons with the Golden Knights, winning 53 games in 103 appearances. He looked visibly emotional when he was honored with his “Welcome Back” tribute video that aired in the first media timeout of the first period.

“You forget how many good memories you have here and how much I love it here,” Thompson said. “The city meant a lot to me, and I love playing in front of the fans. … But credit to the guys that were here with me and here before or here that are no longer here. They really helped me, and I really needed a fresh start. But I couldn’t be more happy to spend my time as a Golden Knight.”

Why So Complicated?

The Golden Knights gave the puck away 28 times and were sloppy with the puck in critical spots. Also, Vegas seemed to be passing the puck a little too much in hopes of getting the best shot possible.

Most came from trying to make the final pass to set up the perfect play, but the puck mismanagement resulted in scoring chances for the Capitals. For example, a Jack Eichel giveaway in the offensive zone set up Washington’s fourth goal of the night.

“It’s not a good play, and it’s from a player that makes a lot of good plays,” Cassidy said. “So that’s hockey some nights.”

The Golden Knights started putting pucks to the net later in the game, but Thompson and the Washington defense was on its A-game, making it difficult for the Golden Knights to get the bounces it needed.

“If you’re not going to shoot it, then hang on to it and try to find a play where you’re not making a risky play or a hope play, I’ll call them,” Cassidy said. “Tonight, there was a little more of that in our game.”

Poor Start Again

The Golden Knights got a less-than-stellar start for the second game in a row. While the first period wasn’t tilted too far in Washington’s favor, Vegas still found itself down 2-0 early before picking up a lucky bounce to leave the period down a goal.

“We weren’t on our toes early. We just weren’t playing in the first period,” Cassidy said. “We weren’t executing to the best of our abilities.”

The Golden Knights found their momentum later in the game, but couldn’t find the back of the net for the final 20 minutes.

“We deserve better,” Cassidy siad. “If we get a little puck luck and then [we could] get back to playing winning hockey, but that didn’t happen.”

Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.