Shea Theodore netted the game-winning goal 2:13 into overtime as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Monday night, extending their slim lead in the Pacific Division.
Theodore’s shot found the top corner after a pass from Jonathan Marchessault, who had tied the game with eight minutes remaining in the third period.
“It was a gutsy effort, three games in four nights, playing last night and then back-to-back,” said Vegas coach Peter DeBoer. “Our guys showed up and really did a great job, everyone from the goalie out. It was a big win for us, especially as a team.”
Nicolas Roy also scored for the Golden Knights (39-24-8), who improved to 11-2-0 in their last 13 games and increased their lead over Edmonton in the Pacific Division to three points.
“It’s huge,” said Vegas defenseman Alec Martinez. “We’re getting down to crunch time, and everyone is fighting for playoff positions. We knew this was a big trip for us, and we’re happy to get the win after last night.”
Alex Chiasson and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored for the Oilers (37-24-9) without captain Connor McDavid due to illness.
Vegas outshot Edmonton 48-24 in the game.
“We’re just playing disconnected,” said Oilers coach Dave Tippett. “We’re not executing well in a lot of situations. We can’t keep playing like this and expect to be a good team.”
The Oilers struck the first nine minutes into the game when Chiasson deflected Oscar Klefbom’s shot past Marc-Andre Fleury for his 11th goal and third in four games.
Vegas tied it up with a power-play goal three minutes before the end of the first period. Roy deflected Nate Schmidt’s point shot, then grazed Edmonton goalie Mikko Koskinen’s glove before going in.
The Golden Knights dominated the first period, outshooting the Oilers 15-3.
The second period saw no scoring, with Nick Cousins coming closest by hitting the crossbar for Vegas. The Golden Knights held a 30-14 shot advantage through two periods.
Edmonton regained the lead seven minutes into the third when Kailer Yamamoto fought to send the puck in front, allowing Nugent-Hopkins to notch his 22nd goal of the season.
Marchessault evened the score with his 22nd goal, ending a streak of 18 games without an even-strength goal.
Game Notes:
- This was the third of four meetings between the teams this season. They had split the first two games, both in Vegas. The final matchup is scheduled for March 31 in Edmonton.
- In addition to McDavid, Edmonton was missing Joakim Nygard (hand) and Mike Green (knee).
- Vegas was without Alex Tuch (leg) and Mark Stone (lower body).
Up Next:
- Golden Knights: Continue their road trip in Minnesota on Thursday.
- Oilers: Host the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.