Ivan Barbashev had two goals and two assists, Vegas scored five times in the first period and the Golden Knights held off the Chicago Blackhawks 7-5 on Thursday

Ivan Barbashev had two goals and two assists, Vegas scored five times in the first period and the Golden Knights held off the Chicago Blackhawks 7-5

After Monday’s third-period collapse against the Los Angeles Kings, the Vegas Golden Knights (35-18-6) were in desperate need of a palate cleanser. They didn’t get that on Thursday, but they did get a win.

It was a night that the young skaters sparked a rally, but the Chicago Blackhawks did too much “self-induced” damage in the first period.

The Chicago Blackhawks, coming into Thursday losers of three straight since the 4-Nations Face-Off, needed a game in which they played well so badly. Winning would be nice but they hadn't even had a game that they weren't thoroughly outplayed yet.

After a thrilling win over the Chicago Blackhawks, Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy delivered a 4-word message. Discover how Vegas’ power play made the difference in this exciting NHL game.

LAS VEGAS -- The Vegas Golden Knights scored five goals in the first period and hung on for a 7-5 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday.