Morning Skate Report: April 27, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights can close out their first round series against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 5 on Thursday at 7 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena. Vegas leads the series, 3-1.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV Local: AT&T SportsNet
TV National: ESPN2
Radio: FOX Sports Las Vegas 98.9/1340 | Deportes Vegas 1460
TRAFFIC UPDATE
The Vegas Golden Knights are encouraging fans to arrive early and stay late for Game 5 against the Winnipeg Jets. Fans should be prepared for changes in traffic patterns around T-Mobile Arena that may cause delays. On Thursday, Frank Sinatra Dr. will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Excalibur Way and Arena Dr. To prepare for potential delay arriving to T-Mobile Arena, we suggest the following alternatives:
Arrive Early and Stay Late: parking garages will open four hours prior to puck drop. Arrive early and enjoy activations in Toshiba Plaza including free VGK tattoos (permanent and temporary), music, games, and more! Arena doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Modify Your Travel Routes: Unless necessary, we encourage you to seek alternative routes for arrival outside of the impacted Frank Sinatra Dr. areas. Las Vegas Blvd. will provide the best access to gameday parking garages. Be sure to utilize Waze when arriving for the most up-to-date information!
Gameday Express: The RTC will operate Golden Knights Express routes for home games during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Passes can be purchase on-site with cash at any Game Day Express pick-up location. Tickets are $2 one-way or $4 round trip.
Parking Garage Accommodations: As a convenience to fans, all parking passes for NYNY, Aria and Park MGM garages will be honored at the Excalibur garage.
FAN ACTIVATIONS
On Toshiba Plaza, Golden Knights fans can await the game with music, food and beverages. Local tattoo artist, Joey Hamilton from Revolt Tattoos, will also be outside T-Mobile Arena before Game 5 for fans interested in a free permanent or temporary tattoo of the team's logo. Inside T-Mobile Arena, battle towels will be placed on individual seats for every home game during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thursday's battle towels are presented by Walker Furniture and will be prepared for fans when the doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT. Those with a ticket to the game are encouraged to download the Stadium FX mobile application on their phone to become part of the team's immersive experience during the pregame show.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
Game 1: Jets 5, Golden Knights 1
Game 2: Golden Knights 5, Jets 2
Game 3: Golden Knights 5, Jets 4 (2OT)
Game 4: Golden Knights 4, Jets 2
Game 5: Thursday, April 27 at 7 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena
Game 6: Saturday, April 29 at TBD at Canada Life Centre (if necessary)
Game 7: Monday, May 1 at TBD at T-Mobile Arena (if necessary)

LAST TIME OUT
Vegas secured a 3-1 series lead with a 4-2 victory against Winnipeg on Monday at Canada Life Centre. Blake Wheeler scored the first goal of the night on the power play, making it 1-0 Jets. Brett Howden then tied the game four minutes later at 1-1. In the middle frame, William Karlsson and Ivan Barbashev scored goals in quick succession to give Vegas a 3-1 lead. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored on the power play three minutes into the third period, bringing the Jets within one goal. Howden's empty-net goal in the final minute sealed the 4-2 win for Vegas and put Winnipeg on the brink of elimination.

PLAYOFF SCORING LEADERSGolden Knights:
Chandler Stephenson - 6 points (2G, 4A)
Mark Stone - 5 points (2G, 3A)
William Karlsson - 4 points (3G, 1A)
Jack Eichel - 4 points (3G, 1A)
Jets:
Neal Pionk - 7 points (7A)
Blake Wheeler - 5 points (2G, 3A)
Adam Lowry - 4 points (4G)
Pierre-Luc Dubois - 4 point (2G, 2A)
Nino Niederreiter - 4 points (1G, 3A)
AROUND THE NHL
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Winnipeg Jets (Vegas leads, 3-1)
Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken (Seattle leads, 3-2)
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers (Edmonton leads, 3-2)
Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild (Dallas leads, 3-2)
Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers (Boston leads, 3-2)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders (Carolina leads, 3-2)
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers (Series tied, 2-2)
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (Toronto leads, 3-1)

KEYS TO THE GAME
Stay out of the box: Vegas gave up two power-play goals on Monday against Winnipeg. It's crucial that the Golden Knights play a disciplined game to not let that happen again, especially when they're trying to close out the series.
Ride the momentum:The Golden Knights have won three straight and have a chance to eliminate the Jets on home ice in Vegas. The vibes are good right now, so bringing that back home in front of Golden Knights crowd is a great way to help them win the game and the series.