Golden Knights fall to Avalanche in preseason, 4-2

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) and Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) fall to the ice during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Cody Eakin (21) is chased by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) carries the puck during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch (89) looks for a pass during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Cody Eakin (21) takes shot past Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch (89) on the ice during a time out during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) shoots past Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto (10) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov, right, (1) blocks a shot from Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith, left, (19) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) and Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) vie for the puck during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) is chased by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) and defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) and Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron (57) vie for the puck during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Hyka (38) on the ice during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Oscar Lindberg (24) looks to pass through Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) and center Matt Duchene (9) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Anton Lindholm (54) and Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch (89) chase the puck during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) shoot past Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) blocks a shot from Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (41) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Chris Bigras (3) vie for the puck during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Chris Bigras (3) is pressured by Vegas Golden Knights' Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (41) and Reilly Smith (19) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) on the ice during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Vadim Shipachyov (87) on the ice during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) blocks a shot from Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron (57) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights' Oscar Lindberg (24) William Karlsson (71) David Perron (57) and Tomas Hyka (38) scramble for the puck during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Oscar Lindberg (24) looks for a shot through Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) on the ice during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brad Hunt (77) on the ice during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier (28) collides with Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) takes a slap shot during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brendan Leipsic (13) one the ice during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) follows the puck during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) passes the puck during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Colin Miller (6) takes a slap shot during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) is pressured by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brendan Leipsic (13) controls the puck during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) breaks away from Colorado Avalanche's Blake Comeau (14) Tyson Jost (17) and Joe Colborne (8) during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) keeps his eye on the puck during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center Cody Eakin (21) passes the puck during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) and Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) vie for the puck during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche center Colin Wilson (22) breaks away from Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault (81) and center Vadim Shipachyov (87) during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) breaks away during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) is pressured by Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alex Tuch (89) during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche center Rocco Grimaldi (20) and Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) face off during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant looks during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Hyka (38) looks for a pass during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) and Vegas Golden Knights left wing Tomas Hyka (38) battle for control over the puck during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brendan Leipsic (13) and defenseman Shea Theodore (27) on the ice during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing David Perron (57) looks for a play during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (71) is pressured by Colorado Avalanche left wing Matt Nieto (83) during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights left wing William Carrier (28) looks for a shot from behind the net during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) is chased by Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Colorado Avalanche right wing Nail Yakupov (64) takes a slap shot after breaking away from Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) and Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brendan Leipsic (13) during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) controls the puck during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brad Hunt (77) passes the puck during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Richard Brian Las Vegas Review-Journal @vegasphotograph

Cody Eakin didn’t need to worry about winning a job with the Golden Knights.

But the veteran solidified his grip as the No. 2 center with Thursday’s performance.

Eakin was arguably the best player on the ice for the Knights and picked up an assist in their 4-2 loss to Colorado at T-Mobile Arena before an announced crowd of 15,337.

“I feel pretty good. My legs are feeling pretty good. Timing’s coming along,” Eakin said. “Everything’s feeling pretty good, but it’s still exhibition games, and we’ll start ramping it up here. Keep the legs going, practicing crisp passes, but I feel pretty good.”

Eakin is coming off the worst statistical season of his career, as he scored three goals and had nine points in 60 games for Dallas.

He scored Tuesday against Los Angeles and has four points in three preseason games this season.

Against the Avalanche, Eakin logged 20:06 of ice time — more than any other Knights forward — and set up Shea Theodore’s goal in the third period that brought the Knights within 3-2.

“It all kind of falls together as a five-man unit, and everyone had their part in it,” Eakin said. “That’s the way goals go in.”

In addition to his offensive contribution, Eakin won 15 of his 19 faceoffs (79 percent).

“You want to start with the puck, offensively and defensively, power play, penalty kill,” Eakin said. “I’m in a lot of the opportunities right now to start, so it’s my job to win them.”

Colin Miller also scored for the Knights, who went 0-for-7 on the power play against Colorado.

“I think guys want to make good plays, sometimes too good of plays, so we’ve got to find our little niche where we can simplify and have that five-on-five mentality instead of trying to make a cuter play, especially when we’re not too familiar with each other,” Eakin said of the power play.

Sven Andrighetto had a goal and an assist, and Tyson Jost, Nail Yakupov and Mikko Rantanen also scored for the Avalanche, who dropped a 4-1 decision to the Knights on Sept. 19.

The Knights close out the preseason Sunday against San Jose.

Neal update

Forward James Neal continues to participate in team practices as his surgically repaired right hand heals, and coach Gerard Gallant said he’s seeing daily progress.

“He’s getting better and more comfortable being out on the ice and working with his teammates,” Gallant said.

As to when Neal will play, Gallant said: “We’ll see how he’s doing. He’s probably not playing Sunday (vs. San Jose). As for the season opener (Oct. 6 in Dallas), we should have a better idea next week.”

Neal has not participated in the Knights first six preseason games. He began skating Monday.

In the crease

Goaltender Dylan Ferguson signed a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Thursday. The 19-year-old will play this season with Kamloops in the Western Hockey League.

More Golden Knights: Follow all of our Golden Knights coverage online at reviewjournal.com/GoldenKnights and @HockeyinVegas on Twitter.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.