After falling short in last season’s Stanley Cup final, the Vegas Golden Knights revamped their second line to push for another run at the title. That new-look second unit showed its potential on Saturday night.
Erik Haula scored the game-winner in the shootout, lifting the Golden Knights to a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Max Pacioretty, acquired from Montreal in an offseason trade, netted his first goal for Vegas, while Haula and Pacioretty played on the wings of new center Paul Stastny. This trio showed their explosive capabilities in the season’s second game.
“He’s a great player, and he played a really good game tonight,” said Vegas coach Gerard Gallant about Pacioretty. “That line was excellent, and that was a big goal at a key time.”
Pacioretty tied the game with 1:31 left in regulation, firing a one-timer in the slot off a pass from Jonathan Marchessault after Gallant pulled goalie Marc-Andre Fleury for the extra skater.
“I really thought in the third period, we played our best, blocking shots and doing what we had to do,” said Wild coach Bruce Boudreau. “But they were pressing. They come at you all the time; that’s why they won the West.”
Fleury, who made 29 saves, bounced back after being pulled in Vegas’ season-opening 5-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. He allowed five goals on 16 shots in that game but was solid against Minnesota.
Matt Dumba scored the lone goal for the Wild, who swept Vegas last season. Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk was outstanding, stopping 41 of 42 shots to keep the Wild in the game.
“He was fantastic,” said Wild forward Jason Zucker of Dubnyk. “He’s the only reason we didn’t lose that game 10-0.”
In the shootout, Haula delivered the winning goal against his former team, sneaking the puck between Dubnyk’s legs after it initially seemed like the Wild goalie had made the stop.
“We just stuck with it, made a great play on Max’s goal, and had a lot of chances,” Haula said. “Duby played well and made it hard on us, but overall I’m just happy with our game. To bounce back in a tough building and play like that is a great job by the guys.”
Dumba signed a five-year, $30 million contract in the offseason and opened the scoring with a slap shot from the blue line midway through the first period. Dubnyk held strong against a relentless Vegas attack that outshot Minnesota 42-30 through overtime.
“It’s nice to feel good out of the gate,” Dubnyk said. “It would be nice to have two wins, but we’ll keep working on the things that make you feel good. I’m feeling pretty good in there now.”
The loss marked Minnesota’s first-ever defeat in a home opener at the Xcel Energy Center after starting with a record of 14-0-3 in previous season home debuts.
Game Notes:
- The Wild went 27-6-8 at home last season, ranking second in the NHL in home points.
- Minnesota and the New York Islanders were the only teams to sweep Vegas last season.
- Wild forward Luke Kunin, returning from knee surgery, has been cleared for contact.
- Vegas rookie defenseman Jake Bischoff, a Minnesota native, made the Golden Knights’ roster for the first time but was scratched for the second consecutive game.
Up Next:
- Golden Knights: Continue their five-game road trip Monday at Buffalo.
- Wild: Host Chicago on Thursday.