The National Hockey League did the unthinkable on Saturday and hosted a game at the beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Despite a picturesque Nevada backdrop, the afternoon game did pose some challenges as it had to be delayed after the first period due to poor ice conditions. Following the eight-hour delay, the Colorado Avalanche would take down the Vegas Golden Knights in an unforgettable 3-2 thriller.
DAY AND NIGHT. ☀️🌝#NHLOutdoorsAfterDark pic.twitter.com/VvXMpvpYH4
— #NHLOutdoorsAfterDark on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) February 21, 2021
In the first, Marc-Andre Fleury came to play for Knights, stopping 17 of 18 shots in the frame. Play was stopped following Samuel Girard's second goal of the season.
Never seen anything this beautiful. 😍 #NHLOutdoors #VegasBorn | #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/HmnUghkloR
— #NHLOutdoorsAfterDark on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) February 20, 2021
After the delay, which saw the two teams resume at 9:02 pm, Alec Martinez and Nathan MacKinnon would trade goals in a whole new setting. The Avalanche led 2-1 after two periods.
In the third, Colorado jumped out to a 3-1 lead thanks to Devon Toews. Alex Tuch made a game of it, though the Avs would sneak away with the win.
There's something about the bright lights, a dark sky and the sound of skates on ice. #NHLOutdoorsAfterDark pic.twitter.com/NfbyMBxfQx
— #NHLOutdoorsAfterDark on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) February 21, 2021
This was the first of two outdoor games scheduled to be played at Lake Tahoe.
The Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins are set to square of a 5 pm tonight.
