The Vegas Golden Knights broke free from their five-game losing streak emphatically, dominating the Calgary Flames 6-0 on Sunday night with a relentless third-period surge.
William Karlsson recorded two goals and an assist for his third consecutive multipoint game, while Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 34 shots to secure his 10th victory of the season, tying for the league lead. Fleury’s shutout, his fifth career clean sheet against Calgary, moved him into a tie for 19th place on the all-time NHL shutout list with 58, matching Jon Ross Roach.
“It’s been a tough stretch, but this was a much-needed win,” Fleury said, acknowledging Vegas’ recent struggles in the third period. “Tonight, seeing everyone score and play well boosts the team’s confidence. It’s going to carry us into the next game.”
Karlsson, who has played in every one of the franchise’s 186 regular-season games, leads the team with 23 points after adding two goals to his season tally.
“This is what we needed—two huge points,” Karlsson said. “We executed well, and this was an overall great game.”
Paul Stastny, Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone, and Cody Eakin also found the back of the net for Vegas, while Nate Schmidt racked up a career-high four assists. The Golden Knights snapped a three-game home losing skid and improved to 6-2-0 against Pacific Division opponents.
“We moved the puck well, played fast, and were effective in transition,” coach Gerard Gallant said. “This is good for our confidence, and now we just need to keep playing this way.”
The Flames, who remain winless at T-Mobile Arena, dropped to 1-3-0 in the second half of back-to-back games after losing to Arizona the night before.
“I thought we hung in there for 40 minutes, but things fell apart in the third,” Flames coach Bill Peters said. “Getting the puck in the net lately has been tough.”
Vegas took the lead midway through the first period when Karlsson kept the puck on an odd-man rush and fired it past Calgary goaltender Cam Talbot, who finished with 31 saves and fell to 1-5-0 this season.
Stastny then scored his 698th career point in the second period after decking around Mark Giordano and sending a wrist shot past Talbot. Pacioretty extended the lead to 3-0 early in the third period, and Eakin finally scored his first goal of the season with five minutes remaining, ending his scoring drought.
“It felt great,” said Eakin, now one goal shy of 100 for his career. “It’s tough when you go through a rut like that, but it’s a relief to get one finally.”
Mark Stone snapped a six-game scoreless streak with a one-timer, while Karlsson capped the scoring with a backhanded goal late in the third.
Game Notes:
- Vegas forward Ryan Reaves played in his 600th career game.
- Brandon Pirri and Nicolas Roy were assigned to AHL Chicago after clearing waivers.
- Calgary forward Sam Bennett was a late scratch due to injury, and the Flames called up Dillon Dube from Stockton prior to the game.
- Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock attended the game in preparation for their matchup against Vegas on Tuesday.
Up Next:
- Flames: Host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night.
- Golden Knights: Host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
