Jonathan Marchessault made sure the New Jersey Devils’ day of change ended in disappointment.
Marchessault scored three consecutive goals in the third period to lift the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-3 victory over the Devils on Tuesday night, just hours after New Jersey fired head coach John Hynes.
Marchessault’s goals, including a crucial power-play tally, came in the first 10 minutes of the final period, overturning a 2-1 Devils lead and giving the Golden Knights a 3-2 advantage. Although Nico Hischier quickly responded for New Jersey, Vegas secured their fourth consecutive win, improving to 15-11-4.
“It’s fun,” Marchessault said. “We haven’t had a streak like this all year, so it feels good to get on a roll finally.”
Malcolm Subban made 32 saves for the Golden Knights, while Chandler Stephenson, who was acquired Monday from the Washington Capitals, scored in his first game with the team.
Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 26 shots for the Devils, and Kyle Palmieri and Jesper Bratt each found the back of the net.
The Devils fired Hynes after a disappointing 9-13-4 start that left the team at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and with the second-worst record in the NHL.
General manager Ray Shero announced Hynes’ dismissal just 20 minutes before he was scheduled to speak to the media. Assistant coach Alain Nasreddine was named interim head coach, and Peter Horachek, a pro scout for the Devils, joined the coaching staff as an assistant.
“Tonight is a new beginning, and while we had the lead going into the third, it’s more about what we did and didn’t do,” Nasreddine said. “There are no excuses.”
Hynes’ departure followed two rough losses for the Devils: a 7-1 defeat by the Buffalo Sabres and a 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers.
Subban has been filling in for Marc-Andre Fleury, who has been away from the team due to a family illness.
“Getting a few wins really boosts your confidence and makes you feel good about your game,” Subban said. “There’s still room for improvement, but it feels good right now.”
Devils forward Taylor Hall, who has struggled this season, had a breakaway attempt stopped by Subban in the first period before Palmieri opened the scoring a minute later with an assist from Damon Severson. The Devils dominated the first period, outshooting Vegas 17-7.
The Golden Knights equalized in the second period when Alex Tuch set up Stephenson for a goal at 5:24.
“That’s what he does,” Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant said of Stephenson. “He’s played on a good team and knows his role. We wanted him to feel comfortable with us, and he scored a big goal tonight.”
Bratt restored New Jersey’s lead at 14:17 in the second period, but after Gallant’s challenge for goalie interference, the referees determined that Hall was pushed into the crease by Paul Stastny.
Game Notes:
- No. 1 overall pick Jack Hughes missed his third consecutive game due to a lower-body injury. He is considered day-to-day.
- Devils D Connor Carrick was also injured, while D Mirco Mueller and C John Hayden were scratched.
- Golden Knights D, Nick Holden, and C Cody Eakin were scratched.
Up Next:
- Golden Knights: Visit the New York Islanders on Thursday.
- Devils: Host the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
