The Vegas Golden Knights, accustomed to rotating their goaltenders, faced another challenge when starter Laurent Brossoit exited early with an injury. Adin Hill stepped in and led them to a crucial victory.
Jonathan Marchessault netted his first two goals of the playoffs, and Jack Eichel contributed a goal and an assist, propelling the Golden Knights to a 5-1 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. This win gave Vegas a 2-1 lead in their second-round playoff series.
Zach Whitecloud and Chandler Stephenson also found the back of the net for Vegas. Brossoit, who left the game in pain after stopping three of four shots, appeared to injure his left leg. Hill replaced him and stopped all 25 shots he faced.
Due to injuries during the regular season, the Golden Knights used five different goaltenders before settling on Brossoit for the playoffs.
“We’ve used a lot of different guys at this position. They’ve all played well,” said Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy. “That’s the good part for us. We know the guy going in there is going to make some timely saves. We don’t rely on him to win games for us. It might have to happen here or there, but generally, we have tried to play well in front of our goaltender no matter who is in there.”
Warren Foegele scored the opening goal for Edmonton, but Vegas responded with five consecutive goals. Stuart Skinner, who allowed four goals on 23 shots, was pulled in the second period. Jack Campbell replaced him and made nine saves.
The Golden Knights took the series opener 6-4 before falling 5-1 at home on Saturday night.
“Forty-eight hours ago, we played a game we really liked,” said Edmonton’s Connor McDavid. “Forty-eight hours later, we’re here talking about something that’s not very good. So, our game is not gone, it’s not far — we must bring our best for Game 4.”
Game 4 of the best-of-seven series is set for Wednesday night in Edmonton, with Game 5 scheduled for Friday night in Las Vegas.
Skinner was previously removed from Game 4 of Edmonton’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, and the Oilers managed a comeback to win in overtime with Campbell in net. However, there was no similar comeback this time.
Vegas aimed for more puck possession in Game 3 and succeeded. The Golden Knights scored most of their goals by getting inside defenders and striking from the edge of the crease.
“I just didn’t think we were sharp,” said Edmonton head coach Jay Woodcroft. “I don’t think we skated well. I don’t think our battle level was where it needed to be. … Our team wasn’t good in any area tonight.”
Vegas focused on playing even-strength hockey, minimizing Edmonton’s power play, which had been running at 56 percent in the series. The Oilers went 0-for-2 with a man advantage, while Vegas was 0-for-4.
“Everyone knows how great their power play is, and it’s important to play as much five-on-five as possible,” said Eichel.
Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl, who had 13 goals and four assists in eight playoff games, was held off the scoresheet. Oilers captain Connor McDavid didn’t record a point for the first time since the series opener against Los Angeles.
Vegas led 2-1 after the first period and scored three more goals in the second.
Vegas extended its lead to 3-1 at 7:25 when Whitecloud skated to the faceoff circle to Skinner’s left and fired a shot over the Edmonton goalie’s glove. Eichel added a wrist shot goal at 12:03, capitalizing on Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard’s fall. This gave the Golden Knights a three-goal lead and ended Skinner’s night.
The Oilers had a goal overturned for goaltender interference, but Vegas quickly responded when Nicolas Roy charged in from the wing, and Stephenson converted the rebound at 17:13.
Edmonton’s Foegele scored off the rush 2:45 into the game, redirecting Derek Ryan’s pass over Brossoit. Eichel and Marchessault combined at 4:44 to even the score 1-1, with Marchessault wrapping the puck around Skinner’s left pad. Marchessault scored again with 51 seconds left in the first, giving Vegas a lead they never relinquished.
Oilers forward Zach Hyman played only a few shifts after his leg collided with Vegas defenseman Nicolas Hague’s at 6:36.
BETWEEN THE PIPES
Vegas acquired 37-year-old veteran Jonathan Quick at the trade deadline, and Cassidy said he would move into a backup role behind Hill if Brossoit’s injury is long-term.
ROAD WARRIORS
The Golden Knights had one of the best road records in the NHL this season at 26-7-8. They’re now 3-0 away from home in the postseason.
“We might play better on the road,” Cassidy said. “First of all, we’re a veteran group so noise or a hostile crowd doesn’t bother us. I think we’re a four-line hockey team, and on the road, you don’t have a last chance as a coach. You have to trust whoever is going on the ice.”