An inspired home debut

First NHL team to begin debut season with three straight wins

The Vegas Golden Knights’ National Hockey League debut on the Strip was a poignant smash.

James Neal scored twice during a thrilling four-goal first period, and the Golden Knights remained unbeaten three games into their inaugural season with a 5-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes in their home opener on Tuesday. Tomas Nosek scored the first home goal in franchise history just 2:31 into the first period, and Deryk Engelland added his first goal for his adopted hometown’s new team moments later.

Marc-Andre Fleury made 31 saves for the Golden Knights, who became the first team in NHL history to begin their debut season with three straight wins.

The Golden Knights charged into their home opener with some inspired hockey. Nosek and Engelland connected in the opening minutes before Neal scored back-toback goals in 4:27, giving him five goals in three games – and all three game-winning goals in team history. Vegas led 4-0 in less than 11 minutes, getting well on its way to a cathartic victory.

Oscar Lindberg scored in the second period for the Golden Knights, who opened their inaugural season with backto-back road victories before returning home.

Tobias Rieder and Kevin Connauton scored for the Coyotes, who remained winless after losing back-to-back games to the expansion Golden Knights in a four-day stretch.