The return of James Neal to the Golden Knights’ lineup Friday was seen by coach Gerard Gallant as an obvious big boost.
Jonathan Marchessault hoped the presence of Neal helped get him going offensively.
Marchessault has been mired in a nine-game goal-less slump and last scored Feb. 23. He has four assists since, but with Reilly Smith still out with an upper-body injury suffered March 6, the move to put Neal on the top line with Marchessault and William Karlsson could be what Marchessault needed to find the net.
“Injuries are part of the game, and we obviously miss Smitty out there,” Marchessault said.