Paul Cotter scored in his first-ever shootout attempt, helping the Vegas Golden Knights defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 on Monday night, ending their two-game skid.
The shootout extended into four sudden-death rounds after both teams scored once in the first three rounds — Gustav Nyqvist for Columbus and Jonathan Marchessault for Vegas. Cotter, playing his 21st career game, was the seventh shooter for Vegas, and he netted the decisive goal against goaltender Daniil Tarasov.
“I was determined not to let in another goal, and I knew we were going to put one in,” said Vegas goalie Logan Thompson, who made 26 saves.
William Karlsson and William Carrier scored in regulation for the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights. Johnny Gaudreau had a goal and an assist, and Boone Jenner scored for Columbus, which rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force overtime. Nyqvist added two assists, and Tarasov made 34 saves for the Eastern Conference-worst Blue Jackets, who have now lost three straight at home.
“Great effort,” Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen said. “I’ve got zero issues with our play tonight. I thought we had a perfect game.”
Karlsson opened the scoring with 4:01 left in the first period when the puck deflected off the foot of Columbus’ Jake Christiansen and past Tarasov. Carrier then made it 2-0 less than a minute later with a shot through a screen.
Vegas controlled the first period, but Columbus took over in the second. Gaudreau scored on a one-timer off a pass from Nyqvist with 6:10 left in the period. Jenner then tied the game at 2-2 with 7:49 remaining in the third by burying the rebound of a shot by Nyqvist.
KINGS OF THE ROAD
The Golden Knights now have a road record 10-1-1, tied with New Jersey for the best in the NHL. This victory marked the franchise’s second win at Nationwide Arena and the first since Nov. 5, 2019.
DOWN AND OUT
Vegas’ Jack Eichel took a puck to the face in the third period, leaving the ice dripping blood but returning later to participate in the shootout. Alex Pietrangelo missed the game for personal reasons. Mathieu Olivier (illness) did not play for the Blue Jackets.
MILESTONE MEN
Vegas’ Brayden McNabb played his 600th career game and notched his 100th career assist on Karlsson’s goal. Will Carrier and Mark Stone marked their 300th and 200th games with the Golden Knights. Columbus’ Cole Sillinger played his 100th NHL game.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Defenseman Zach Whitecloud celebrated his 26th birthday with an assist on Carrier’s goal.
WAY TO RALLY
Gaudreau, who missed the morning skate due to sickness, has three goals and 11 assists in November. His assistance with Jenner’s goal tied the franchise record for assists in a month.
UP AND AWAY
The Blue Jackets recalled defenseman Tim Berni from the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters and sent Brendan Gaunce down to the minors. Berni, a native of Mannedorf, Switzerland, was selected by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round, 159th overall, of the 2018 draft.
UP NEXT
- Vegas: Visits Pittsburgh on Thursday.
- Columbus: Visits Winnipeg on Friday.