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Despite a two-goal game from defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, the Vegas Golden Knights could not capitalize and suffered a 3-2 loss Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena against the Montreal Canadiens.
Pietrangelo seemed to be the only Knight who could figure out Montreal goalie Carey Price.
Price stopped 29-of-31 saves to help the Canadiens tie the series up at 1-1.
Game three brings the series North of the border to Montreal Friday, June 18.
“Can’t go down 2-0 and expect to win the game,” Vegas captain Mark Stone told ESPN. “These guys play a good team game when they get the lead. We gotta do a better job with our starts and we gotta find our preparation.”
Vegas’ forwards have struggled in the series getting shots on net.
All but one of Vegas’ six shots on goal were shot by defensemen.
After falling behind in a lackluster first period, Vegas upped the intensity and tempo in the second. It is not the first time the Knights have come out slow in the postseason, as Stone alluded to in the post-game.
Pietrangelo’s missile from near neutral ice brought life to "The Fortress" and to the Knights.
He managed to sneak the puck through what seemed like every player on the ice.
Price made Vegas pay the price in the third with incredible saves on shots by center Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Alec Martinez.
Left-wing Max Pacioretty had two chances to find the back of the net but instead, found the post on one and Price’s shoulder on another.
“[We’ve] got to capitalize on some of those in the second period,” Stone added. “Hit a post and had a chance in the slot, we had lots of chances to score, power play needs to score.”
In the home net, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury got the start and played well given the lack of offense from Vegas in the first 30 minutes of play. Fleury surrendered three goals but kept Vegas afloat late with immaculate saves of his own.