The Vegas Golden Knights last night dropped the banner for their Stanley Cup Championship last season. They ended up walking away with a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken to kick off their 2023-24 season and a hope of defending their Championship. Last night during the game, Vegas’ forward Brett Howden received a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of Seattle Kraken forward Brandon Tanev. Howden caught an unsuspecting Tanev up high only five minutes into the third period, with Vegas leading 3-1. Tanev would leave the game and didn’t return after the collision. The referees reviewed the decision and ultimately upheld the call after the review. The Kraken didn’t score on the power-play.
Howden today got word that he will have a hearing with NHL Player Safety about the hit; Howden has never received any disciplinary actions in his six-year career. Howden recorded an assist in last night’s win, coming on Chandler Stephenson’s goal early in the first period, making it 1-0 Vegas.
