Jesper Bratt provided the decisive moment in the shootout as the New Jersey Devils edged the Vegas Golden Knights 2–1 on Tuesday night.
Vegas came up empty in the shootout, with Pavel Dorofeyev, Mark Stone, and Mitch Marner all failing to convert. Marner appeared to score, but the attempt was overturned when officials ruled the puck deflected off his skate after the initial shot.
Connor Brown scored New Jersey’s lone goal in regulation, and Jake Allen was outstanding in net, stopping 37 shots. Dorofeyev accounted for Vegas’ regulation goal, while Carter Hart finished with 32 saves.
The Golden Knights needed extra time for the 14th time in 32 games this season. They went 1-for-4 on the power play, including a missed opportunity in overtime. New Jersey also continued to struggle with the man advantage, going scoreless on two chances and slipping to 1-for-18 on the power play over its last eight games.
Despite the loss, Vegas picked up a point and moved into a tie for first place in the Pacific Division with Anaheim.
The Devils struck first after forcing a turnover. Brown collected the puck, cut across the crease and wrapped a shot around Hart to give New Jersey a 1–0 lead.
Vegas pulled even late in regulation when Ivan Barbashev blasted a one-timer from the right circle into the top corner with 4:11 remaining.
Playing without injured stars Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore, the Golden Knights tied the game earlier on Dorofeyev’s power-play goal, his second straight with the man advantage and ninth of the season.
New Jersey was also short-handed, missing several regulars, including Jack Hughes, but leaned on strong goaltending and timely defense to secure the win.
Up Next
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Devils: Visit Utah on Friday night.
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Golden Knights: Travel to Calgary on Saturday.