Golden Knights, Stars honor victims of Las Vegas mass shooting

DALLAS — They stood with Vegas.

With the tragic events of Sunday on the Strip still fresh, the Dallas Stars joined the Golden Knights on the Knights’ blue line at American Airlines Center as the teams stood in a moment of silence Friday to remember the shooting victims before the Knights’ debut in the NHL.

Then the Knights went out and played for Las Vegas, as James Neal scored twice to rally the Knights from a 1-0 third-period deficit for a 2-1 victory. Marc-Andre Fleury, the other hero for the Knights, stopped 44 of 45 shots to get the win.

The Stars were planning to honor the memory of team broadcaster Dave Strader before the puck drop. Strader died Sunday from bile duct cancer at age 62.

But there were the shooting victims in Las Vegas to also honor. Both teams were sporting “Vegas Strong” decals on their helmets to honor the victims. The sticker is an outline of Nevada with a number of iconic Las Vegas images with the words “VEGAS STRONG” prominently displayed in capital letters.

Cody Eakin and Tyler Seguin aren't on the same team anymore. But tonight, they're both part of the same family. The #VegasStrong family. pic.twitter.com/eHPOiMmrip

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 6, 2017

Then the Stars skated from their blue line to join the Knights. The sellout crowd stood and cheered.

Standing together as a hockey family. #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/Nv26GjHDJD

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 7, 2017

Knights coach Gerard Gallant said before the game that he and his players were aware of the emotions in Las Vegas and that the players were ready to perform.

“Everyone knows what a difficult time it has been this week,” he said. “Our guys did a great job getting out in the community to try to lend whatever support they could. Now, it’s time for them to do what they do best, which is play hockey and entertain the fans.”

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

Contact Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow @stevecarprj on Twitter.