Vegas Golden Knights romp rival Sharks in final preseason game

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — After losing their last two preseason games, the Vegas Golden Knights came into Sunday night's matchup with the Sharks hoping to end the preseason on a winning note. Most of the Golden Knights expected regular season starters suited up in this one, including Ryan Reaves, who saw his first game action of the preseason. Marc-Andre Fleury got the start in goal for the Golden Knights opposite of Martin Jones for the San Jose Sharks.

Both goalies were active early, but with less than three minutes left in the first period, the Golden Knights got on the scoreboard. Thomas Nosek put the puck on net and William Carrier was able to tip the puck past Martin Jones. Carrier got credit for the goal and the Golden Knights took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

About five minutes into the second period, the Golden Knights showed off some smooth passing on the power play. William Karlsson tee'd one up for Jimmy Schuldt, who buried his one timer, beating Jones top shelf to put the Golden Knights up 2-0.

Then, things got chippy. Valentin Zykov and Evander Kane got into a scrum along the boards, with both taking a couple swings at each other before the refs stepped in to break it up. Zykov and Kane were awarded matching roughing minors, which led to four-on-four hockey and the Golden Knights would capitalize.

Less than a minute later, with the Knights on the rush, Jonathan Marchessault took the shot all by himself and buried it. It was Marchessault's second goal of the preseason and the Knights were rolling at that point, up 3-0.

But, they weren't done yet. With less than four minutes to play in the second period, the Knights heavy hitters did their damage. Max Pacioretty set up Mark Stone perfectly. Stone's wrist shot whizzed by Martin Jones and opened up the flood gates. The Knights led 4-0 at the end of the second period.

About a minute into the third period, the Sharks finally got on the board. On the assist from Evander Kane, it was Danil Yurtakin helping the Sharks avoid getting shutout.

But once again, the Knights had an answer. Off the William Karlsson wrist shot, Reilly Smith was able to tip the puck in through the legs of the Sharks goalie to put the Knights up 5-1.

Later in the third period, the bad blood between the two teams spilled over. Sharks backup goalie Aaron Dell caught Mark Stone with a hip check while he was skating by. Stone didn't like it and pushed Dell back. At that point, skaters on both teams started brawling on the ice.

The Golden Knights would go on to win the game 5-1, ending their preseason schedule with a record of 5-2. But, the physicality of Sunday's game sets the stage for the Sharks and Golden Knights to renew their rivalry on Wednesday night in what's expected to be a battle to open up the regular season at T-Mobile Arena.