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Golden Knights vs. Jets Game 4: Knights take a stranglehold on Western Conference final

By Bruin Belisle

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 18: Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 18, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 18: Reilly Smith #19 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring a goal against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 18, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Winnipeg Jets had their backs to the wall tonight in Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Here are highlights, analysis and everything else you need to know from Game 4.

The Winnipeg Jets were almost in must-win territory coming in to tonight’s game having lost two straight for the first time in these playoffs. The Vegas Golden Knights, on the back of Marc-André Fleury, have done a spectacular job cooling the high powered Jets offense in Games 2 and 3.

The Knights would start this game out with a power play goal from William “Wild Bill” Karlsson just two minutes into Game 4. The Knights are making a habit of scoring early on the Jets, and it is something the Jets will need to address in the very near future.

Jets sniper Patrick Laine tie the game midway through the second when he absolutely crushed a one-timer past Marc-André Fleury after missing on an identical chance just seconds before.

The Knights wouldn’t allow the home crowd to get out of this one, though, as Tomas Nosek scored his first ever NHL playoff goal less than one minute later. The score was 2-1 Golden Knights heading into the third.

Fleury continued to be a cheat code in net as the Jets opened the third with a power play in which they failed to convert. The Jets remained in the Knights zone until the pressure was just too much, and Tyler Myers squeaked a puck through Fleury’s five-hole to tie the game at 2-2.

A scary moment in the third for the Jets as James Neal was clipped on his way into the net and crashed directly into Connor Hellebuyck. Both would be okay. The Knights, as they do, scored again on a Reilly Smith goal that Hellebuyck would love to have back.

The Knights held onto Smith’s one-goal lead to take a 3-1 series lead. The Vegas Golden Knights are one win away from the Stanley Cup final in their inaugural season. Incredible.

2. 107. 3. 942. Final

Three Stars

3. Reilly Smith

Smith scored the game-winner and what might end up being one of the more important goals in the Knights’ playoff run. The Jets were all over the Knights, much like they were in Game 3, but Smith’s goal evened the ice and ended up being the difference.

2. Marc-André Fleury

At this point, Fleury can’t not be named one of the best players in every game he plays. Tonight was no different. He fought off a crucial Jets power play in the second period that featured some great scoring chances (and what seemed like an hour in the Vegas zone). “Flower” is having a performance for the ages, and it is beautiful to watch.

1. Marc-André Fleury

Seriously. Remember this Golden Knights run and the play from Fleury because this will go down as one of the most iconic playoff performances in NHL history. Fleury is something else.

Highlights

Next Game

The Jets and Knights will travel back to Winnipeg for Game 5 of the Western Conference final on Sunday, May 20 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Don’t miss this one because it’s sure to be intense as Winnipeg is in a must-win situation in front of the whiteout crowd!

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