Noah Hanifin broke the deadlock with 49 seconds left in regulation and the Vegas Golden Knights had the upper hand over the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 despite the return of Connor McDavid.
Hanifin scored the tying goal midway through the third period before making the double, then Mark Stone completed the scoring into an empty net for a ninth point in his last six games.
Jack Eichel had the other goal with two assists, while Ivan Barbashev had three assists. Adin Hill made 27 saves in the victory and Vegas has won six of its last seven meetings.
Connor McDavid returned earlier than expected to the Canadian team and he pivoted the first line with Zach Hyman and Jeff Skinner. The captain was expected to be out for two to three weeks after injuring his ankle on October 28.
This is the first time in seven games that he has not obtained a point against Vegas. Brett Kulak and Zach Hyman responded, while Stuart Skinner blocked 30 shots.
Jack Eichel caught Shea Theodore’s backhand pass to go alone in front of Stuart Skinner, whom he beat with a nice feint to open the scoring in the first period. It was his fourth goal of the year.
Brett Kulak tied the score in the second period by redirecting Darnell Nurse’s shot. This is a third goal for the former CH defender, who had amassed as many in 82 games last year.
The Oilers took the lead thanks to Zach Hyman playing with a little luck. Alex Pietrangelo went to recover the puck at the back of the territory and a funny bounce from the back of the net ensured that it returned to Hyman’s palette to surprise Hill who was looking the other way. After a slow start to the campaign, he has three goals in his last four outings.
Alexander Holtz wanted to bring the two teams back to zero before the second intermission, but he was robbed by Skinner’s mitt.
The Vegas power play took care of things in the third period when Noah Hanifin made it 2-2. The latter returned to the charge in the last minute of play. Left completely alone to Skinner’s right, he had a perfect line of fire to thwart him under the glove.
The Wings dominate in Chicago
Cam Talbot posted an excellent performance with 28 saves and the Detroit Red Wings easily defeated the Blackhawks 4-1 in Chicago.
Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, Joe Veleno and Andrew Copp threaded the needle in this second consecutive victory for the Red Wings after three straight losses.
Nick Foligno was the only player to shine the red light for the Blackhawks, who were trying to win a third game in a row.
Petr Mrazek allowed three goals on 24 shots in the loss.
