The Las Vegas Golden Knights defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-0 on Friday night, with Thea Theodore contributing a goal and an assist. Also scoring for the Golden Knights were Thomas Hertl and Ivan Barbashev, while Jack Eichel added two assists, helping Las Vegas secure their third consecutive win after a four-game losing streak. Akira Schmidt, who was traded from New Jersey to Vegas in June 2024 after three seasons with the Devils, made 24 saves to earn his third career shutout and second of the season.
Despite 24 saves from Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey was shut out for the second game in a row during a disappointing 0-4 homestand, having lost 3-0 to Dallas earlier in the week. The Devils restructured their lineup in an attempt to turn things around but fell behind early, trailing 13-5 in shots in the first period. Theodore scored late in the opening period off a pass from Eichel, putting the Golden Knights ahead.
The second period saw no goals, though New Jersey outshot Vegas 11-7. Vegas took advantage of the few penalties called, with Brandon Saad getting a tripping penalty in the third period. Despite a power play opportunity, the Devils managed just one shot on goal. Later, Noah Hanifin was penalized for delay of game, but New Jersey held their own during that power play chance.
Las Vegas capitalized immediately after New Jersey’s penalty ended, with Hertl scoring off a Mitch Marner assist, giving the Golden Knights their 12th lead change of the season. After another penalty against Nico Hischier, Barbashev sealed the victory with a goal from a rebound off Eichel’s shot.
The Golden Knights will face the New York Rangers on Sunday night, while the Devils are set to play Boston on Saturday night.
Fan Take: This game underscores the rising dominance of the Golden Knights, especially with players like Schmidt proving invaluable against their former team. For hockey fans, it highlights how trades and team chemistry can dramatically shift the landscape of the NHL, promising an exciting season ahead.
