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Nate Schmidt assists on first ever Vegas Golden Knights goal

By Ian Oland

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October 7, 2017 1:28 am

Nate Schmidt played in the Vegas Golden Knights NHL debut Friday and he made some history in the process.

The former Capitals defenseman earned the primary assist on the franchise’s first goal ever, a third period tally by James Neal.

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Schmidt made the goal possible by pivoting at the blue line and sliding a pass to Neal who was streaking into the zone. Neal’s wrist shot deflected off the knee of Dallas forward Radek Faksa and beat Kari Lehtonen five-hole. The goal tied the game 1-1.

An enthusiastic Schmidt shared a woo and a hockey hug with the former Predator along the boards.

Neal would score again 6:48 later to ice the game for the Golden Knights. Marc-Andre Fleury made 45 saves in the team’s 2-1 victory.

In 15:58 of ice time (a team low among VGK defensemen), Schmidt had one shot and a shot block. He also took his first minor penalty of the season for delay of game.

Schmidt did lead VGK defensemen in power-play time, receiving 6:35 from coach Gerard Gallant.

Note: The Dallas Stars stood behind Golden Knights during a moment of silence to mourn the victims of the worst mass shooting in American history.

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