Advertisement

Stanley Cup playoffs: Golden Knights win Game 3 vs. Jets

By Alex Butler
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29). Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29). Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI | License Photo

May 17 (UPI) -- Net minder Marc-Andre Fleury made a series of terrific saves, helping the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

The Golden Knights now lead the series 2-1 after the 4-2 win Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jonathan Marchessault scored twice in the Game 3 victory.

Advertisement

"At that point, it's what we expect from [Fleury]," Marchessault told reporters. "To just keep us in the game. And he does it every night."

Marchessault's first goal came 35 seconds into regulation. The Golden Knights center capitalized on an early Jets turnover, outpacing defenders to the puck and racing toward the net on the play. He crossed his stick in front of Connor Hellebuyck before beating him stick side.

Mark Scheifele tied the game 5:28 into the second frame, but James Neal put Vegas ahead once again just 12 seconds later. Alex Tuch gave Vegas a two-goal lead 8:13 into the bridge period.

Scheifele beat Fleury for a second time 18 seconds into the final period, closing the gap to a single score.

Advertisement

Fleury didn't let another score slip by. He had his best series of saves with just under 10 minutes remaining. He first stopped a one-timer from Scheifele, but the save forced him to the ice. Fleury got back up and dove across the goal, saving another Sheifele shot.

"It was just a pass across," Fleury said. "I think I was maybe a little surprised he shot through a guy and just tried to reach and get a piece of it and it hit my toe and came back right in the middle of the slot so it wasn't ideal. He had a lot of time and some room to shoot. I just tried to get as much body as I could in front of it and get a piece. I was happy about that."

Marchessault had the last word, sliding the puck into the Jets' empty net with three seconds remaining.

Vegas and Winnipeg face off in Game 4 of the Wester Conference finals at 8 p.m. Friday at T-Mobile Arena.

Latest Headlines