The Vegas Golden Knights made former Boston coach Bruce Cassidy's return a success, as Reilly Smith scored in the fifth round of the shootout to beat the Bruins 4-3 and end their NHL record for home victories to open a season.
After the Bruins were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Cassidy was fired by Boston. He was hired by Vegas eight days after he left.
In a game of two of the league's top three teams, the Western Conference-leading Vegas Golden Knights opened a three goal lead in the second period on two goals by Paul Cotter and the other by Jonathan Marchessault. The Bruins had not allowed the opening three goals of a game.
Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak both scored in the last six minutes of the period. They tied it on Taylor Hall's power play goal 3:08 into the third when he spun in front and slipped a shot from the slot past the goalie.
Smith was the only one to score in the shoot out.
Vegas has 14 road wins this season, tied with the Dallas Stars for most in the West.
Cassidy was Boston's interim coach until he got the top job. His teams made the playoffs all six seasons, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Bruins played a video of Cassidy on the Jumbotron late in the first period that ended with a picture of him and a message for Bruce. He waved thank you to the crowd after they gave him an applause.
Thompson had 40 saves before the shoot out. Swayman made 21 saves.
In the first minute of the game, Cotter collected William Karlsson's pass in the left circle and wristed a shot under the bar. Marchessault stole Pastrnak's attempt at a clearing pass, broke in alone and tucked in his own rebound to make it 2-0.
The second goal was scored 51 seconds into the second period.
The AP information was used.
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