Oh what a night! The Vegas Golden Knights opening night festivities were extra special this season. That’s because the Stanley Cup was in the house at T-Mobile Arena. Additionally, the fans got to see the Golden Knights raise their championship banner to the rafters of The Fortress!
Golden Knights Raise Championship Banner In Vegas Style
The Vegas Golden Knights organization is well known for providing extraordinary pre-game presentations. But they outdid themselves on opening night in true Las Vegas style. First, the players skate out onto the ice amidst the fog to thunderous cheers from the packed house. Then, captain Mark Stone receives his introduction and carries the Stanley Cup trophy around the ice at T-Mobile Arena one more time before the season begins.
Subsequently, the busy team captain skates over to a giant slot machine on the ice at The Fortress. He pulls the lever and, of course, three Stanley Cup trophies show up on the slot machine. That’s how the Stanley Cup championship banner is eventually revealed to the team and their fans. I bet there were a lot of proud fans watching inside T-Mobile Arena and on TV all over Southern Nevada.
Of course, they raise the championship banner to the rafters, but not before posing for a team photo in front of the slot machine. It’s a great moment for the team, the fans, and our great city.
Vegas Celebrates With A Convincing Victory
So now the Vegas Golden Knights attempt to defend their title with a repeat championship. The Seattle Kraken were in town and they wanted to ruin the festivities. However, our championship team had other plans.
To be honest, often when a team raises their championship banner, the emotions are so strong during the pre-game ceremonies the actual game is a letdown. It seems that all that celebration takes the fight out of the players.
But not on this night for the Vegas Golden Knights. Chandler Stephenson and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault each pot a goal in the first period. Ivan Barbashev scored a beauty on a breakaway thanks to an awesome outlet pass from Brayden McNabb in the second. Jared McCann put the Kraken on the scoreboard with one in the second period as well. Jack Eichel finished off the scoring with an empty-netter to cement a 4-1 opening night victory. Vegas goalie Adin Hill was very strong in net, stopping 32 of 33 shots on net.
All in all, a fantastic opening night celebration. Go Knights Go!
