LAS VEGAS — Jonathan Quick did not have the sharpest debut, however did sufficient to notch his first victory with the Vegas Golden Knights Sunday in a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
Fast, a two-time Stanley Cup champion acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday — two days after he was traded from the Los Angeles Kings — had 25 saves within the victory.
“I felt fairly comfy proper from the get-go,” Fast mentioned. “Clearly, a special setting, a special shade jersey, however when you get on the market, you simply attempt to play hockey.”
Fast, who is aware of the surroundings in Vegas as an opponent all too effectively, was greeted warmly by the followers when he led the Golden Knights onto the ice pregame.
“It is a enjoyable constructing to play in,” Fast mentioned. “These followers are nice, we have identified that since Day 1. Undoubtedly a heat reception, and I loved that.”
The place Fast, who will likely be an unrestricted free agent this summer time, suits into coach Bruce Cassidy’s plans the remainder of the common season and into the postseason stays to be seen. He may work his approach right into a beginning position, or be a backup like he was this season in Los Angeles. However, after this whirlwind week, the veteran will likely be prepared for no matter comes his approach.
“I am a goalie,” Fast mentioned, “so, cease the puck, attempt to win.”
Ivan Barbashev, one other latest acquisition in Las Vegas, scored twice, and Shea Theodore and Reilly Smith additionally tallied within the win for Vegas.
Barbashev may be very comfy proper in entrance of the web and that is the place the ahead discovered himself twice with the puck on his stick. He made essentially the most of it.
“I feel you will see much more of that,” Cassidy mentioned. “That is the place he goes, that is the place he hangs out. He is comfy there, proper out in entrance of the web. He was prepared to make use of his toes, his stick, no matter is important.”
Mike Matheson, Alex Belzile and Rafael Harvey-Pinard scored for Montreal, which misplaced its third straight to complete a four-game journey. Jake Allen had 24 saves.
“I by no means really feel like we’re out of it,” Montreal coach Martin St. Louis mentioned. “The great factor (at the moment) was we have been solely down two (after the primary interval). It may have been approach worse. I do know now we have the kind of sport that we are able to come again.”
The Golden Knights led 3-0 coming into the third interval, however Montreal’s Mike Matheson scored with at 2:04 to get the Canadiens on the board. It was Matheson’s fifth objective of the season.
Vegas restored its three-goal lead as Barbashev — acquired from St. Louis final Sunday — received his second of the sport and twelfth of the season at 7:44.
Belzile pulled the Canadiens again inside two simply 23 seconds later along with his second of the season.
Montreal pulled to 4-3 one other 35 seconds later as Harvey-Pinard took a move from Jesse Ylonen from behind the web to beat Fast for his eighth.
The Golden Knights will open a five-game street journey towards the Florida Panthers on Tuesday.
The Related Press contributed to this report.