During Billboard Awards weekend, Rookie Las Vegas Golden Knights make Stanley Cup playoffs led by Black player

Las Vegas was abuzz more than usual last weekend, as the hotels and Strip were full of people in town for the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM, the same hotel that hosted the shooter who killed more than 50 people as they tried to enjoy a concert. But even Billboard couldn’t brighten up the city as much as its rookie franchise in the National Hockey League. The Vegas Golden Knights, let by Black player Ryan Reaves, swiftly took care of the Winnipeg Jets to advance to the prestigious Stanley Cup playoffs, winning 4 gamed to 1. Ironically, Reaves was picked up mid season and had limited play, until the playoffs, when he came in and bullied his way into becoming one of the team’s apparent leaders. In fact, Sunday when the game was tied up going into the third period, Reaves was the one who scored the winning goal. Vegas went wild. And within hours, celebrities such as Janet Jackson, DJ Khaled and Bruno Mars walked the red carpet in 91-degree heat as part of the Billboard Music Awards. Jackson not only performed, she also received the Icon Award. Kendrick Lamar tied singer Ed Sheeran with six awards. Performers also included Pharrell Williams, Khalid, Normani and a rousing closing by Salt-n-Pepa and EnVogue.