{"id":557281,"date":"2026-04-21T13:48:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:48:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/557281\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:48:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:48:27","slug":"vegas-golden-knights-gameday-playoff-preview-game-2-vs-the-mammoth-the-hockey-writers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/557281\/","title":{"rendered":"Vegas Golden Knights Gameday Playoff Preview: Game 2 vs. the Mammoth – The Hockey Writers –"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, and the excitement is already building after three fun-filled days. The Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>, fresh off a strong Game 1 win, host the Utah Mammoth<\/a> in Game 2 of their first-round series. Let\u2019s dive into the key storylines for tonight.<\/p>\n

Golden Knights\u2019 Playoff Gameday Preview: Game 2 vs. Mammoth (Vegas Leads 1-0)<\/p>\n

After trailing entering the third period, the Golden Knights found a way to secure the series-opening win. Mark Stone and Nic Dowd scored 1:47 apart to give Vegas the lead. Carter Hart made 31 saves, continuing his stellar play from the regular season. Dowd gave his thoughts<\/a> on his team\u2019s win following the game:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to score goals, it\u2019s hard to get shots. You see throughout the League right now, shots are low in a lot of games. We\u2019ve got to play what we do well. We\u2019re going to consistently try to do the same thing over and over. Some nights you are going to get rewarded, some nights you are not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch Marner \u2013 Jack Eichel \u2013 Mark Stone<\/a><\/p>\n

Ivan Barbashev \u2013 Brett Howden \u2013 Pavel Dorofeyev<\/p>\n

Reilly Smith \u2013 Tomas Hertl \u2013 Keegan Kolesar<\/p>\n

Cole Smith \u2013 Nic Dowd<\/a> \u2013 Colton Sissons<\/p>\n

Brayden McNabb \u2013 Shea Theodore<\/p>\n

Noah Hanifin \u2013 Rasmus Andersson<\/p>\n

Jeremy Lauzon \u2013 Kaedan Korczak<\/p>\n

Carter Hart<\/a>\/Adin Hill<\/p>\n

Golden Knights\u2019 Playoff Team Leaders<\/p>\n

Since we are only one game into the postseason, we will see many ties for team leads. However, Colton Sissons is the sole leader in points with two. Sissons, Stone, Barbashev, and Dowd all lead the team with one goal. Hanifin leads Vegas with two assists. Lauzon, Andersson, and Kolesar each have two penalty minutes. Lastly, among the skaters, Sissons leads with a plus-3 rating.<\/p>\n

\"Vegas<\/p>\n

In goal, Hart played Game 1 and won, so he leads the team in wins. He also heads into Game 2 with a 2.01 goals-against average (GAA) and a .939 save percentage (SV%).<\/p>\n

Storyline #1 \u2013 Put Pressure on Utah<\/p>\n

Looking back at the regular season, the Mammoth were 29-2-2 when leading after two periods. However, the Golden Knights managed to hand them a rare third-period loss to open the series.<\/p>\n

Previously, I noted that Vegas should not try to intimidate Utah<\/a>. However, for Game 2, the approach changes. After Utah\u2019s strong but ultimately incomplete effort in Game 1, and with their relative lack of playoff experience, the pressure increases. Facing a possible 2-0 deficit if they lose, the Mammoth\u2019s mindset will be tested differently this time.<\/p>\n

In light of this, the Golden Knights need to try to expose possible desperation on the Mammoth side. Can they force the Mammoth to make an uncharacteristic mistake and take advantage of it?<\/p>\n

The Mammoth may be ready for the challenge, but the Golden Knights must pressure them and make them prove it.<\/p>\n

Storyline #2 \u2013 Physicality<\/p>\n

Game 1 was a physical affair \u2013 not unusual for the playoffs. The Golden Knights outhit the Mammoth, 51-31. There were seven roughing minors called between the two teams. Furthermore, there was a scrum after the final horn. Again, a typical sight in the playoffs, and one that is typically enjoyed by fans.<\/p>\n

It will be interesting to see if any fireworks carry over into Game 2. If there are, the Golden Knights (and Mammoth, for that matter) will want to be sure they are not taking any unnecessary penalties. Do not take a penalty that negates a power play. Do not be the player in a scrum who gets called for a retaliatory hit. To put it simply, do not let the fireworks turn the tide in the special teams department.<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/p>\n

The game starts at 6:30 P.M. Pacific Time. Locally, it can be viewed on the SCRIPPS Network. Nationally, it airs on ESPN2.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check in with The Hockey Writers<\/a> for more playoff coverage!<\/p>\n

Free Newsletter<\/p>\n

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