Hellebuyck Stops 19 Shots as Devils Rout Knights 5-2

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Friday, securing a victory built on the goaltending of Connor Hellebuyck and offensive production from the Hughes brothers.

Hellebuyck, a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, recorded his second win since joining New Jersey on Oct. 23. The former Winnipeg Jets starter stopped 19 shots during the contest. His performance followed a 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

Arseny Gritsyuk and Jack Hughes each recorded two goals for the Devils. Gritsyuk has scored in six of the last eight games and has accumulated 10 points during that span. Luke Hughes added the other New Jersey goal, completing a hat trick of sorts for the family unit. The Devils have gone 10-1-0 when both Hughes brothers score in the same game.

Luke Hughes opened the scoring with a one-timer from the top of the left circle in the first period. Mark Stone tied the game at 1-1 by deflecting a shot from Mitch Marner. Ivan Barbashev gave Vegas a 2-1 lead shortly after, tapping in a pass from Marner.

The Golden Knights lead lasted less than a minute. Gritsyuk capitalized on a turnover to score top shelf from the left circle. Jack Hughes extended the margin by stealing the puck from Jack Eichel in the neutral zone, passing it through Stone’s legs, and finishing the play. Gritsyuk added his second goal by backhanding a rebound after Adin Hill blocked the initial attempt. Hill stopped 26 shots for Vegas. Jack Hughes added an empty-netter to close out the score.