Golden Knights Win 8th Straight In Lehner's Debut

The Vegas Golden Knights (36-22-8) earned their eighth consecutive win, tying a franchise record, on Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres (29-27-8), 4-2, at T-Mobile Arena.
HOW IT WENT DOWN
Buffalo grabbed the early advantage as Dominik Kahun scored at the 2:16 mark of the opening period, although Vegas would answer quickly when Nick Cousins set up Nic Roy in front of the Sabres' net. With the game still tied after a scoreless second, William Karlsson finished off a pass from Max Pacioretty to give the Golden Knights their first lead of the game. Reilly Smith extended the Vegas lead with a wraparound tally past Carter Hutton, and then an empty-net goal at 18:11 of the third. Despite a late score from the visitors to make it 4-2, Robin Lehner earned the win in his first game with the Golden Knights.

TOP PERFORMERS
Reilly Smith: Smith scored two of the three goals in the third period to increase his total to 27 on the season.
Robin Lehner: In his Vegas debut, Lehner settled in to make 32 saves on 34 shots to earn the victory and satisfaction from the home crowd.
Nic Roy: Roy beat Hutton with a crafty move to put the Golden Knights on the board in the first period with his fourth goal of the season.
William Karlsson: Karlsson continued his strong play as he scored the go-ahead goal for Vegas in the third.
STAT OF THE KNIGHT
With an assist on Smith's first goal of the game, Zach Whitecloud recorded the first point of his NHL career.
ATTENDANCE: 18,404
BECAUSE VEGAS WON...
All fans can receive a free Jumbo Jack at any participating Jack in the Box location in Las Vegas with the purchase of a large drink.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Golden Knights will aim for a franchise-best ninth consecutive win as the Los Angeles Kings arrive Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. matchup at T-Mobile Arena. Follow along on NBC Sports Net, FOX Sports 98.9/1340 and Deportes Vegas 1460.