Golden Knights suffer biggest home loss in franchise history – Las Vegas Sun News

Sam Morris/Associated Press

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) looks behind him as a puck falls into the net after scoring in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Las Vegas hit the bar.

The Vegas Golden Knights had one of their best games of the season on Friday.

Less than 24 hours later, they played one of their worst games, losing 6-0 at home to the Utah Hockey Club. It was the most lopsided loss at T-Mobile Arena in the franchise’s eight-year history.

“We didn’t play well enough at the beginning,” said coach Bruce Cassidy. “We mismanaged the puck on the first three goals at every position. You end up chasing the game; You can’t watch the game in the National Hockey League. Every now and then you catch it… but it’s not a good formula, so we put ourselves in a bad position.”

The Golden Knights (15-7-3) couldn’t match their intensity from Friday as Ivan Barbashev scored two goals in a 4-3 win over league leader Winnipeg.

Instead, they were sluggish from the first puck drop, conceded four goals in the first period and suffered arguably their worst loss of the season. Vegas’ home record fell to 9-3.

“We have to find a way to start better, especially at home,” said defender Alex Pietrangelo.

Goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov, a serviceable substitute who came into the game with a record of 5-2-1, also had a memorable performance, scoring on six of 28 shots.

Nick Schmaltz scored two goals for Utah and goaltender Jaxson Stauber made 29 saves for the shutout.

Vegas returns to action on Tuesday against visiting Edmonton.