Golden Knіgһtѕ ѕһut down Devіlѕ іn 3-1 vіctory

NEWARK, N.J. – The Vegas Golden Knights dominated in their 3-1 victory against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on Thursday.

Nicolas Roy, Shea Theodore, and Jack Eichel all scored, while Adin Hill made 14 saves for Vegas (32-17-6).

It was the type of performance that Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy wanted his team to have after losing its last four.

“We were the better team from start to finish. Did a lot of things well. We made it hard on their top players to get going offensively,” Cassidy said. “We’re trying to stay above them, manage pucks, so they have to go 200 feet. I thought scoring first helps. But we were really good.

“All in all, it was our determination and commitment to play a certain way was there from the first minute to the last. So that’s important. We’ve been better defensively of late and tonight paid off for us.”

Golden Knights Shut Down Devils

The Golden Knights limited the Devils’ offense to nine shots through two periods, helping control the game’s pace.

“Good effort defensively. We didn’t give much to a pretty talented team offensively,” Roy said. “If we want to win games in this league, we’re going to have to be better defensively.”

Through three games on the road trip, the Golden Knights have seen 57 shots on goal with more than half coming against the New York Rangers on Sunday.

Vegas set a franchise record in the fewest shots on goal allowed in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders. It was one away from replicating that performance against the Devils.

“We’re playing disciplined hockey,” Cassidy said. “If you’re not giving up shots, you’re probably not on your own end a lot unless you’re blocking everything and managing the puck the other way. So that’s the secret to our success. Well, not a secret.”

Fire Away, Fire Away

Following the team’s 2-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Cassidy challenged his team about firing more pucks to the net

The Golden Knights answered that challenge. They have shot 110 times on goal with 40 coming against the Devils.

“We were leaving too much on the table. Sometimes when you shoot, it just puts stress on the other team’s defense,” Cassidy said. “It’s that simple. Maybe you get on the power play a little more often. That’s where you get a little bit of luck, too, right? Pucks rattle around. So, we haven’t had a lot of those lucky goals. But maybe if we shot a little more, we would. So that’s why we’re talking about that.”

Hill Earns Win No. 20

Hill didn’t have a ton of work to do, but he earned a new career-high in wins with 20.

“It’s cool.  I didn’t really know that,” Hill said. “It’s exciting. Now go for 30, right?”

Hill is slated to play in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off as one of three goaltenders for Team Canada. Despite it being less than a week away, he remains focused on Saturday’s game.

“The focus isn’t on that yet. We’ll focus on Saturday first and then go from there,” he said.