NHL: Devils Beat Golden Knights 5–2

Standings after the game

Vegas’s record stood at 9-5-1, while New Jersey’s was 9-5-0. Those records translate to 15 games played by the Golden Knights and 14 by the Devils; the standings gap was one point after the matchup.

The teams’ goal totals also remained close: Vegas had scored 53 and conceded 44, while New Jersey had scored 48 and conceded 40. The final score added a three-goal margin for the Devils in this game, but the standings still separated the clubs by a single point.

What the result changes

The win gives New Jersey a chance to draw level with Vegas in points without needing the teams to have played the same number of games. The Devils had one fewer game on their record after the October 30 result, so their next standings position will depend on the outcome of that additional game and Vegas’s subsequent play.

For Vegas, the loss leaves the Golden Knights ahead on points, with the larger number of games played. The records show both teams at nine wins, but their overtime-loss totals differ: Vegas had one, and New Jersey had none.

Next step

The next concrete marker is New Jersey’s 15th game, which will bring its games-played total level with Vegas’s current 15. The Devils can close the one-point gap with a win; the standings will then also depend on whether Vegas adds points in its own next game.

To track the race, check the updated NHL regular-season standings after each team’s next result, alongside games played and points rather than points alone.

Sources

• the NHL — “NHL official statistics”