Jonathan Marchessault scored two goals to lead the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night.
Jack Eichel contributed a goal and two assists for the Golden Knights (16-5-4), who were coming off a 4-1 win against Vancouver on Thursday. Mark Stone also scored, and Logan Thompson made 21 saves. The Pacific Division leaders are now 5-5-3 in their last 13 games.
“The structure has been there all year, which has allowed us to stay in games,” Eichel said. “We didn’t stray from it. That has allowed us to get some overtime points and some greasy wins. … Now we’re executing and getting a lead. We’re a tough team when we play with a lead.”
In the third period, Tom Wilson scored for Washington (12-7-2), and Darcy Kuemper made 32 saves.
Vegas scored with a power-play goal at 8:53 of the first period. Marchessault beat Kuemper with a wrist shot for his 10th goal of the season.
“I thought our start was fine,” said Washington coach Spencer Carbery. “In the second period, they just took over. We couldn’t generate nearly enough as we needed to, puck-possession-wise.”
Marchessault added an empty-netter with 1:57 remaining, marking his 199th career goal.
Eichel scored his 10th season goal on a breakaway at 7:56 of the second period. Stone extended the lead to 3-0 just 49 seconds into the third period.
“(Eichel’s) a driver,” said Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy. “The drivers of teams, they pull everyone along. That’s what they do. They’re those special guys. He’s found some chemistry with (Stone). Stoney needed that.”
Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill didn’t dress for the game due to a lower-body injury. He is day-to-day after leaving Thursday’s game against Vancouver in the third period. Vegas recalled Jiri Patera from the minors to back up Thompson.
The Capitals recalled goalie Hunter Shepard to back up Kuemper. Charlie Lindgren, who had 38 saves against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, didn’t participate in the Saturday morning skate.
UP NEXT
Capitals: At Arizona on Monday night.
Golden Knights: Host St. Louis on Monday night.