David Schoen

The Golden Knights begin defense of their Western Conference championship Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. when they meet the San Jose Sharks in a best-of-seven quarterfinal series.

Alex Tuch scored the lone goal in the shootout, and the Golden Knights rallied for a 3-2 victory over league-leading Tampa Bay on Tuesday at Amalie Arena.

Entering Tuesday’s game, the Golden Knights unofficially ranked 12th in the NHL in points from defensemen with 106.

The Golden Knights will try to contain the NHL’s top offense when they meet the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday at Amalie Arena.

Valentin Zykov logged a career-high 17:32 of ice time in the Golden Knights’ 3-1 loss at Florida on Saturday and finished with three shots on goal.

The Golden Knights are embracing the challenge of facing the NHL’s best team Tuesday at Amalie Arena, regardless of their current skid.

The Golden Knights were outscored 6-2 in the second period during the first three games of their four-game losing streak before they held the Panthers off the scoreboard in the second period Saturday.

Winger Valentin Zykov, playing his third game with the Knights since he was claimed off waivers Dec. 29, skated alongside center William Karlsson and left wing Jonathan Marchessault against Florida on Saturday.

Florida’s Mike Hoffman scored the go-ahead goal on a breakaway at 6:13 of the third period to hand the Golden Knights a 3-1 loss Saturday at BBT Center.

The Golden Knights look to avoid their first four-game losing streak when they take on the Florida Panthers on Saturday at BB&T Center.

Reilly Smith, who missed the past seven games with an undisclosed injury, was activated from injured reserve before Friday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Defenseman Shea Theodore scored twice, but the Golden Knights lost to the host Carolina Hurricanes on Friday at PNC Arena in their first game after an eight-day break.

Goaltender Maxime Lagace will make his first start of the season Friday when the Golden Knights return from their break to face the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.

Golden Knights prospect Jake Leschyshyn was traded by his Western Hockey League team in November as part of a blockbuster deal, the latest hitch in his major-junior career. He was sent to Lethbridge from Regina.

The Golden Knights return from their bye week and open a four-game road trip Friday against Carolina.