If Monday’s third period was “inexcusable” in the words of coach Bruce Cassidy, Thursday almost reached a new level. The Golden Knights scored five times in the first period. They led by three at the end of the second.

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar (55) watches as a puck shot by center Ivan Barbashev (49) gets past Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom (40) during the third period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Photo by Steve Marcus

Ivan Barbashev had two goals and two assists, Vegas scored five times in the first period and the Golden Knights held off the Chicago Blackhawks to win 7-5.

Ivan Barbashev scored two goals and had two assists and Keegan Kolesar also scored twice as the Vegas Golden Knights tied a team record with five goals in the first period and then held on for a wild 7-5 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night in Las Vegas.

It's the same song and dance with the Chicago Blackhawks as their 7-5 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights brings their February record to 1-7. There's nothing new to dissect with their system (I don't think they have one).