Scoring a goal for the first time in 11 games was rewarding enough for Paul Stastny. Having his father, Hall of Famer Peter Stastny, present for the Golden Knights’ annual father’s road trip made it even more special.
Stastny netted the game’s first goal, and Shea Theodore scored the game-winner with 11:55 left in regulation, helping the Vegas Golden Knights secure a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday night. The win was Vegas’ ninth in its last 13 games.
“He’ll be off my back for a few hours, which is nice. A happy flight,” joked Paul Stastny. “More than anything, he’ll just be happy that we won. That’s all he cares about.”
Jonathan Marchessault added an insurance goal, and Malcolm Subban made 37 saves to keep the Golden Knights tied for first place in the Pacific Division alongside Arizona.
Logan Couture scored for the Sharks, who have now lost nine of their last 10 games. Goalie Aaron Dell made 34 saves in a valiant effort.
“Everyone’s got to look in the mirror and decide, what do you want to bring for the second half of the year right now?” Couture said. “What do you want to accomplish as a hockey player? A lot of guys haven’t had good years.”
The Sharks mounted some pressure early in the third period, with Brent Burns setting up Couture’s one-timer for his 12th goal of the season. Dell followed with key saves on William Carrier and Brayden McNabb, keeping the game tied and earning praise from the home crowd for his stellar performance.
“I feel like I’m playing well right now,” Dell said. “The more experience I get, the better I feel, and I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
However, the tie was short-lived. Theodore broke through shortly after with a wrist shot from the circle to give Vegas a 2-1 lead. Reilly Smith then beat Erik Karlsson on a rush and set up Marchessault for a late goal, sealing the victory for the Golden Knights.
“We wanted to finish the road trip on a high note, especially with the dads in town,” Theodore said. “I thought we played a really solid game.”
The game started with tight defense on both sides, with limited scoring opportunities in the first two periods. Vegas’ Nicolas Hague came close to scoring twice, hitting both posts and the crossbar in the first period but still seeking his first career goal.
Dell made a spectacular glove save on a Mark Stone power-play attempt moments after Subban denied Evander Kane on a 2-on-1 at the other end. Joe Thornton had two solid chances in the second period but was turned away both times by Subban.
“Malcolm was excellent tonight,” said Vegas coach Gerard Gallant. “Both goalies were fantastic. A game that finished 3-1 could have easily been 7-5 with all the chances out there.”
Stastny finally got Vegas on the scoreboard late in the second period when Alex Tuch set him up in the slot for his ninth goal of the season.
Game Notes:
- Alex Tuch earned his 100th career point with an assist on Stastny’s goal.
- Tomas Hertl assisted on Couture’s goal and now has points in six straight games.
UP NEXT:
- Golden Knights: Host the Colorado Avalanche on Monday.
- Sharks: Host the Los Angeles Kings on Friday.