Brisson scores again, as defense stands out in 3-1 victory over Arizona Coyotes.

The Vegas Golden Knights picked up their first win of the preseason with a 3-1 victory against the Arizona Coyotes on Friday at T-Mobile Arena.

Nicolas Hague, Brendan Brisson, and William Karlsson all scored, while Logan Thompson made nine saves in the victory.

Thompson limited due to defense, feels comfortable

Thompson only faced 10 shots as the defense in front of him was strong. He made nine saves, but more importantly felt comfortable in net. 

It was his first complete game since Jan. 28 against the New York Islanders.

"Confidence is a big thing in my position, so to get it all back in preseason and starting to feel good and 100 percent running into the regular NHL season is going to be huge," he said. "I'm starting to normal again. Hopefully, just get better every day."

Cassidy added, "Logan had to make some timely saves. Just playing in a full 60 minutes and post to post, even though the shot might not come, he's engaged in the game. Doing what you have to do. You can't control if the team misses the net, we block a shot, or kill a play."

Dorofeyev has strong outing

Pavel Dorofeyev is competing with Paul Cotter for the left wing spot on Karlsson's line. 

He had a strong outing, showing strength on the boards and assertiveness on the offensive end. 

I've liked 'Pav's camp," Cassidy said. "He's hasn't played a ton. I think a couple of games now for most of the guys. He's doing what he's supposed to do. He's out there late in the game with us having the lead because we trust him to get it down the walls. I was good with his game."

He will likely have one or two more chances to display that he is the guy Cassidy should go with on that third line with Karlsson and Michael Amadio.

Brisson scores again

Brisson is making it quite difficult to ignore him, scoring again on the power play.

More importantly, he was starting to look better in board battles - an area that Cassidy wants to see more development from the young forward.

"It doesn't happen overnight - (winning) board battles," Cassidy said. "It's man strength and body position. It's just stuff you got to learn as you go. Very few young guys come in the league and can dominate on the walls. So we're just going to keep reminding you know work your spots, take pride in that part of the game."

Whether or not, Brisson breaks camp with the main roster, it will be hard to ignore his growth as a player.