After losing 2-0 in their second match against the Oilers on Thursday, the Golden Knights were openly frustrated.
Vegas was particularly upset with referee Gord Dwyer for not calling a tripping penalty on Viktor Arvidsson just 17 seconds before Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winner in overtime.
Brayden McNabb, the Knights’ defenseman, took a tumble into the boards after Arvidsson’s stick made contact between his legs, yet Dwyer kept his hand down. McNabb suffered an injury during this sequence, shortly before Draisaitl received a pass from Connor McDavid to seal a 2-1 victory for Edmonton.
“I heard that Gord is watching it. He missed the call,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy commented. “I really don’t know what else to say. It was a clear trip and it’s dangerous. But the call wasn’t made, so we just have to keep pushing.”
Cassidy didn’t provide any updates on McNabb’s condition as they head into Game 3 on Saturday in Edmonton.
For Vegas, losing a top defenseman would be a significant blow, especially after dropping the first two games at home.
“It’s definitely a penalty,” stated Vegas captain Mark Stone. “His stick was between McNabb’s legs, pushing him right into the boards—it’s pretty obvious to me.”
Vegas seemed to be gaining traction, having just killed off a five-minute major penalty against Trent Frederick due to Nicholas Roy’s crosscheck.
Yet, Edmonton’s goalie Calvin Picard thwarted a final push in the last 30 seconds of the game, as McDavid set up Draisaitl for a decisive play that left Jack Eichel dealing with the aftermath.
