Danault hat trick helps Canadiens rally past Golden Knights in overtime

LAS VEGAS -- Phillip Danault scored his first NHL hat trick, including the tying goal with 1:25 remaining in the third period, and Paul Byron scored 1:59 into overtime to give the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 win against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday.

"It was my first game in Vegas, so the magic happens in Vegas," Danault said. "The boys were all up to the task, and it was my turn to step up. It was a good team effort. We knew it was our last game before Christmas and it's a big win for the boys."
The Canadiens (19-13-5) won for the seventh time in 10 games (7-3-0). Carey Price made 23 saves for Montreal, which swept the season series against Vegas. The Canadiens won the first meeting 5-4 at Bell Centre on Nov. 10.
WATCH: [All Canadiens vs. Golden Knights highlights]
The Golden Knights (20-15-3) had their six-game home winning streak end. Brandon Pirri scored two goals, Jonathan Marchessault scored his first goal in six games, and Marc-Andre Fleury made a season-high 43 saves.
"I think they deserved the two points. They were better than us," Marchessault said. "But at the end of the night, our effort wasn't good enough. We have to look at ourselves in the mirror. This wasn't good for our group. We're a hard-working team and tonight we didn't play for 60 minutes."

Pirri has three goals in two games since being recalled from Chicago of the American Hockey League on Wednesday. He has six goals in four games with Vegas dating back to last season.
"They had 47 shots. [Fleury] played unbelievable," Pirri said. "I'd probably trade the two goals for two points."

Brendan Gallagher, Max Domi and Tomas Tatar each had two assists for Montreal. Domi assisted on Byron's goal, a backhand from the slot. Tatar played his first game in Vegas since being traded to the Canadiens for forward Max Pacioretty on Sept. 10.
"Obviously there was big motivation today to win the game," Tatar said. "I'm really happy we got another two points."
William Karlsson and Brayden McNabb each had two assists for Vegas.
Danault scored on a one-timer from the top of the right face-off circle to give Montreal a 1-0 lead at 3:40 of the first period.
Pirri scored on a rebound to tie it 1-1 at 16:24.
Vegas took a 2-1 lead on Marchessault's first goal in six games at 4:52 of the second period.

Danault deflected Jordie Benn's wrist shot from the blue line at 8:10 to tie it 2-2. The play was reviewed to see if Danault's stick was high, but the goal stood.
"We've talked to him about getting a little more involved around the net and creating some scoring chances, and he did that tonight," Canadiens coach Claude Julien said of Danault. "It's going to be good for his confidence."
Pirri scored again at 13:59 to give the Golden Knights a 3-2 lead.

They said it

"Really proud of the way we played today, the way we responded today. I thought we played a solid 60 minutes. Vegas is a team that forces you to play well if you want to win a hockey game. They're a good hockey club, they play a fast pace. If you're sloppy, they'll make you pay for it. We had to be on our toes today and had to be sharp, and that we were." -- Canadiens coach Claude Julien

"[Montreal] was probably the best team to come into our building this year. They played great. They were quick and fast. I didn't mind our team's game tonight, but they were a step ahead of us." -- Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant

Need to know

In a late change, Montreal defenseman Brett Kulak was in the lineup in place of David Schlemko (undisclosed). … Danault entered Saturday with two goals in 36 games this season. … Vegas forward Oscar Lindberg was scratched for the first time in 10 games in place of Tomas Nosek. … Alex Tuch had an assist in his first start on the Golden Knights' top line. He switched spots with Reilly Smith, who was on the second line and had no points in 19:13 of ice time.

What's next

Canadiens: At the Florida Panthers on Friday (7 p.m. ET; FS-F, TSN2, RDS, NHL.TV)
Golden Knights: Host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday (8 p.m. ET; ATTSN-RM, FS-W, NHL.TV)