Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Supported by

1 Down, 3 To Go As Knights Pace Historic Ride

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore gives his stick to fans after the Knights defeated the Washington Capitals 6-4 in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Monday, May 28, 2018, in Las Vegas.
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore gives his stick to fans after the Knights defeated the Washington Capitals 6-4 in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Monday, May 28, 2018, in Las Vegas.

Fans in taverns, at T-Mobile Arena, at home in front of their TVs and in the restaurant overlooking the Vegas Golden Knights' practice rink witnessed more history in the making Monday night.

The Knights won their first Stanley Cup playoff game in the best-of-seven series against the Washington Capitals, 6-4.

From the opening goal by the Knights in the first period to game-ending buzzer, fans were both thrilled and frazzled by the rollercoaster game.

"Just from start to finish, a rollercoaster of a ride," Mitch Moss with VISN told KNPR's State of Nevada, "How the Capitals were in it at the end. They had the 6 and 5 and they pull the goalie and the empty net and the place went nuts.  So much fun to watch last night."

Moss said the Knights aren't just getting the attention of locals their impossible season has become a national sports and news story.

In Las Vegas, most people agree that the team has given the city a sense of community perhaps for the first time.

"I moved out here in 2001 and I can tell you for the first time now - 17 years later - it really feels like we have a sense of community here in Las Vegas," Moss said.

He said you can hear people cheering for the Knights up and down neighborhoods.

And Moss said that devoted fan base is giving the Knights a true home-ice advantage at the T-Mobile Arena. He said most hockey experts will say that home-ice advantage doesn't really exist in the sport except at the T-Mobile.

The next game will be Wednesday at 5 p.m. at T-Mobile.

 

Vegas Golden Knights fans

Stay Connected
Joe Schoenmann joined Nevada Public Radio in 2014. He works with a talented team of producers at State of Nevada who explore the casino industry, sports, politics, public health and everything in between.