Golden Knights continue to struggle on special teams
David Perron is not worried about the Golden Knights’ recent struggles on special teams.
But the veteran forward did acknowledge it’s an area that needs to improve before Friday’s season opener.
The Knights were held scoreless on the power play for the third straight game and also allowed three special-teams goals in a 5-3 loss to San Jose on Sunday at T-Mobile Arena.
“It’s early, so I don’t think we can get frustrated right away,” Perron said. “But we want to have success here, so we need to make sure our details are good, too.”
The Knights went 0-for-5 on the power play against the Sharks and haven’t scored in their last 21 attempts with the man advantage dating to a Sept. 24 game at Anaheim.
The Knights finished the preseason 8-for-43 (18.6 percent) on the power play after scoring seven times in the first three games.
“I liked it tonight for the most part,” Knights coach Gerard Gallant said. “There were a few times the breakouts didn’t work real well, but overall, it looked a lot better than the other night and we had some good opportunities, so one step at a time.”
Marcus Sorensen scored short-handed in the first period for San Jose, and the Sharks also went 2-for-5 on the power play, including Nick DeSimone’s go-ahead goal at 10:51 of the third.
“It leaves a sore taste in your mouth when you lose the last one,” Knights forward Erik Haula said. “I don’t want to beat around. We’re doing a lot of good things, there’s just some things obviously we can get better at.”
Remembering Dave
Knights center Cody Eakin had fond memories of former Dallas Stars broadcaster Dave Strader after Strader died Sunday morning in Glens Falls, New York, after battling bile duct cancer for more than a year. He was 62.
Eakin, who played for the Stars when Strader was calling their games, said he was a kind and generous person.
“I woke up to see that,” Eakin said. “That was tough. Every time I’d see him, he’d make you smile and laugh. My prayers go out to his family.”
The Knights acknowledged Strader during the first intermission Sunday.
Day off
The Knights players will have Monday off. For some it will mean packing up and moving on. For others, it will mean unpacking in their new home.
The team must turn in its 23-man roster to the NHL by 2 p.m. (PT) Tuesday.
FanFest set
The team will hold a kickoff FanFest at the Fremont Street Experience 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The team will unveil its mascot at the Third Street Stage across from the D Las Vegas and team owner Bill Foley, general manager George McPhee, coach Gerard Gallant and all the players are scheduled to attend.
Admission is free.
Dance party
Renowned DJ Steve Aoki visited the Knights’ locker room after the game and spent several minutes chatting with defenseman Jason Garrison.
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