Logan Couture ensured the San Jose Sharks’ annual Father’s Trip ended on a high note, scoring the overtime winner to secure a 2-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night. A stellar 37-save performance from goaltender Aaron Dell backed the win.
“I don’t always remember who we play next, but I knew we had Vegas,” said Couture. “This trip is special, and it was great to get this win.”
This was the first meeting between the Pacific Division rivals since Vegas swept a home-and-home series to open the season. The two teams have split their postseason matchups over the last two years, making this game another chapter in an increasingly intense rivalry.
“Any time we play them, it’s a tough game,” Couture said. “They’re a good team and will be near the division’s top, so it was a great test for us.”
San Jose has been on a roll in November, improving to 7-3-0 for the month and 11-11-1 overall after rebounding from a loss to Edmonton earlier in the week. Despite being shorthanded, the Sharks found a way to win. Tomas Hertl was a late scratch, and both forward Melker Karlsson and defenseman Radim Simek exited the game in the third period.
Dell, who had struggled against Vegas in previous meetings, was outstanding, stopping 33 of 34 shots in regulation and making four saves in overtime. Before this game, he had a 0-2-1 record against Vegas with a 4.28 goals-against average and an .868 save percentage.
“It was a great character win,” Dell said. “We showed that it doesn’t matter who’s in or out, we can get the job done.”
San Jose’s penalty kill, the best in the league, played a key role, successfully stopping all three of Vegas’ power plays. The Sharks have now killed off 22 of their last 24 penalties.
“Our penalty kill has been one of the strongest parts of our game,” said defenseman Erik Karlsson. “We kept them from creating too many dangerous chances.”
Timo Meier scored early in the second period for San Jose, while Brayden McNabb tied it for Vegas midway through the third with a shot from the right circle.
Vegas goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, fresh off a highlight-reel save in the previous game, made 27 saves in the loss.
“We played pretty well,” Fleury said. “We always want to beat them, especially at home. At least we battled back to get that point.”
After a physical first period with 29 combined hits, Meier showcased his strength early in the second by fending off Nate Schmidt and backhanding the puck past Fleury for a 1-0 lead. McNabb’s third-period goal gave the Golden Knights life, but Couture ended the game in overtime.
Game Notes:
- Vegas forward Paul Stastny is two games away from his 900th NHL game.
- Fans chanted “pay your marker” at San Jose’s Evander Kane, referencing recent reports that he owes $500,000 to a Las Vegas casino.
- Referee Dan O’Halloran, one of the officials from the controversial Game 7 of last season’s playoff series between Vegas and San Jose, was on the ice.
- Vegas’ penalty kill went 2-for-2, improving after allowing power-play goals in five of its last seven games.
- Ryan Reaves led all players with 12 hits, his highest total as a member of the Golden Knights.
Up Next:
- Sharks: Host the New York Islanders on Saturday.
- Golden Knights: Host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.