Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb, left, hits Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson as linesman Jonny Murray tries to break it up during the third period in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Monday, May 28, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Vegas Golden Knights still think Tom Wilson's third-period hit on Jonathan Marchessault was very late and probably dirty.
They also believe it sparked their comeback victory in the Stanley Cup Final opener.
Wilson and the Washington Capitals still insist he did nothing wrong when he leveled the Golden Knights' top playoff scorer. The NHL agreed with Wilson on Tuesday, declining to discipline the hard-charging forward.
But after the collision and the resulting scrums, Vegas coach Gerard Gallant saw a renewed vigor in his Knights. They quickly got Tomas Nosek's go-ahead goal and surged one game closer to an improbable championship.
Game 2 is Wednesday night on the Strip. Both teams intend to channel their nervous energy more constructively after an entertainingly ramshackle opener.
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Washington Capitals right wing Devante Smith-Pelly, right, and right wing Tom Wilson stretch during practice Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Las Vegas. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup NHL hockey finals between the Capitals and the Vegas Golden Knights is scheduled for Wednesday. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Associated Press
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith, left, celebrates his goal with center Jonathan Marchessault, center, as Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby lays on the ice during second period in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Monday, May 28, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The Associated Press
Vegas Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant speaks during a news conference in Las Vegas, Tuesday, May 29. 2018. Games 2 of the Stanley Cup hockey finals between Vegas and the Washington Capitals is scheduled for Wednesday. (AP Photo/John Locher)
The Associated Press