Knights losing streak hits four after poor start in Anaheim

Anaheim Ducks center Adam Henrique (14) controls the puck with Vegas Golden Knights center Ivan Barbashev (49) looking on during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson, right, blocks a shot as Anaheim Ducks right wing Frank Vatrano, center, and Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud, left, look for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras, left, controls the puck while leaning against Vegas Golden Knights center Ivan Barbashev during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) controls the puck with pressure from Anaheim Ducks right wing Brett Leason (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) controls the puck with pressure from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

The Golden Knights didn’t come back refreshed from their holiday break as they allowed four first-period goals Wednesday in a 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.

The Knights (21-10-5) lost their fourth straight in regulation for the first time under coach Bruce Cassidy. Right wing Brett Leason scored twice for Anaheim (13-21-0), while center Mason McTavish recorded three assists.

Defenseman Alec Martinez and Mark Stone scored in the second period for the Knights to cut their deficit to 4-2. Leason scored his second goal with 2:15 before the second intermission to put the game away.