Golden Knights open Ryan Craig era with win over Blackhawks — PHOTOS

Vegas Golden Knights opened the Ryan Craig era with a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday. The win improved the Knights’ all‑season‑opener record to 8‑1‑1 and marked their fifth straight success in a head coach’s debut game. Center Jack Eichel contributed a goal and two assists, pushing his career total to 700 points. Rookie forward Trevor Connelly scored his first NHL goal, while defenseman Noah Hanifin netted his first goal since Dec. 9. Victor Olofsson, who signed a one‑year contract on July 1, found the scoresheet in his return to the lineup. Goaltender Carter Hart stopped 23 shots. From the opening faceoff, Las Vegas dictated play, generating several odd‑man rushes that could have stretched the lead beyond the early 2‑0 advantage. Olofsson’s goal came at 10:30 of the first period after receiving a pass from Jack Eichel skating down the left side and firing a shot from the left ellipse into the upper right corner. Connelly’s marker arrived with 4:38 remaining in the opening frame. He deflected a point shot from defenseman Brayden McNabb, gathered the loose puck and finished on the rebound. After the goal, Connelly raised his arms, collided with the boards behind the Chicago net and was swarmed by teammates. Following tradition for a rookie’s first game, he was the first player to take the crystal for his customary lap. Connelly and Cody Glass remain the only 20‑year‑olds to debut with the Knights and record a point in their inaugural game. Chicago trimmed the deficit midway through the second period when Jordan Greenway scored at 12:23 of the frame. Las Vegas responded 2:49 later; after a prolonged shift by the top line, Eichel tallied to make it 3‑1. At 29 years old, Eichel became the ninth U.S.–born player to reach 700 points in fewer than 700 games. The Knights hold an .850 points percentage in season openers, the best league mark, and have earned at least a point in eight straight openers. Patrick Kane pulled Chicago to within one early in the third period, scoring at 3‑2. The three‑time Stanley Cup champion returned to the Blackhawks after three seasons with Detroit.