It will take the city of Las Vegas time to recover after heinous and disgusting events of last Sunday night. But helping in that healing process is the debut of the city’s first professional sports team, the Vegas Golden Knights. On Friday night in Dallas, the the Golden Knights played their first game with emotions obviously running high.
After the Stars were introduced, they skated behind the Vegas blue line so that both sets of players could be together for remembering the victims of the tragedy. As a moment of silence was being held, the videoboard flashed a message that said “Viva Las Vegas” while public address announcer Jeff Kovarsky said, “Dallas stands with Vegas and those affected by the horrifying tragedy.”
It was certainly an emotional night for the Stars too. They honored the memory of their broadcaster Dave Strader — who passed away on Sunday at the age of 62 — and also honored the memory of a team staffer who died in a car accident during the season.
But once the game started, the Golden Knights made a little history, by winning the first game in team history 2-1, with James Neal scoring both goals. The Knights became the first expansion team to win their first game since the Senators in 1992 when they beat Montreal, and became only the fourth expansion team to win their first game on the road as well, and the first since 1977.
#RealDeal pic.twitter.com/DXZ3Y4QPlT
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2017
This. Guy. Won't. Stop.@jneal_18 again! This time, it's a historic game-winner. #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/ZlFEG2z77A
— NHL (@NHL) October 7, 2017
Neal had some poignant comments after the game as well:
The feeling around our team has been that it's no longer just about our hockey team.
As James Neal tells us, it's about Vegas. About home❤️ pic.twitter.com/ICprOGHV9P
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2017
On an emotional night for all, the Vegas Golden Knights honored their city in the best way possible, by making a little history and winning their first game in franchise history. Their home opener is Tuesday night against Arizona, in what is sure to be another emotional yet exciting occasion.
[ESPN]