Stars Build Commanding Lead Early (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas – The Vegas Golden Knights overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period only to drop a 5-4 shootout decision to the Dallas Stars at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night.[1][2]
Stars Build Commanding Lead Early
Matt Duchene opened the scoring for Dallas just 1:37 into the first period with a wrist shot that capitalized on a deflection, assisted by Sam Steel and Jamie Benn.[2] The Stars extended their advantage in the second period after Keegan Kolesar tied the game at 4:07 on a wrist shot set up by Mitch Marner.[3]
Mavrik Bourque delivered a multigoal performance, his first in the NHL, netting tallies at 8:46 and 14:16 with assists from Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, Benn, and Steel. Wyatt Johnston pushed the lead to 4-1 at 16:43 off a rebound following a faceoff win by Mikko Rantanen. Dallas controlled the pace through two periods, holding a firm grip on the contest.[4]
Knights Unleash Furious Comeback
Reilly Smith sparked the rally 4:04 into the third period with a shorthanded wrist shot on a 2-on-1 rush, assisted by Kolesar, cutting the deficit to 4-2.[1] Ivan Barbashev followed at 13:54, snapping a wrist shot past Jake Oettinger from the high slot with helpers from Rasmus Andersson and Mark Stone to make it 4-3. Barbashev snapped a 16-game goal drought in the process.[1]
Vegas pulled Adin Hill for the extra attacker late. Tomas Hertl won a crucial faceoff, setting up Marner’s point shot that tied the score at 4-4 with 48.9 seconds remaining. The dramatic equalizer forced overtime, where neither team converted despite Dallas outshooting Vegas 3-0.[2]
Shootout Proves Decisive Downfall
In the shootout, Jason Robertson opened with a goal on a wrist shot in the first round, while Pavel Dorofeyev failed to answer for Vegas. Matt Duchene missed in the second for Dallas, matched by Jack Eichel’s stop for the Knights. Mikko Rantanen sealed the victory with a snap shot in the third round, giving Dallas the 2-0 edge.[2]
Adin Hill stopped 23 of 27 shots in regulation and overtime for Vegas. Oettinger earned the win with 17 saves on 21 shots faced. The loss dropped the Golden Knights to 25-14-14 overall and 1-3-2 in their last six games.[5]
Standout Efforts Across the Ice
Here is a summary of the game’s goals:
| Period | Time | Team | Scorer (Goal #) | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1:37 | DAL | Matt Duchene (8) | Steel, Benn |
| 2nd | 4:07 | VGK | Keegan Kolesar (5) | Marner |
| 2nd | 8:46 | DAL | Mavrik Bourque (9) | Hintz, Robertson |
| 2nd | 14:16 | DAL | Mavrik Bourque (10) | Benn, Steel |
| 2nd | 16:43 | DAL | Wyatt Johnston (28) | Rantanen |
| 3rd | 4:04 | VGK | Reilly Smith (9) SHG | Kolesar |
| 3rd | 13:54 | VGK | Ivan Barbashev (13) | Andersson, Stone |
| 3rd | 19:11 | VGK | Mitch Marner (13) EN | Hertl |
Kolesar notched a goal and assist, while Marner contributed offensively on both ends. Bourque’s two goals highlighted Dallas’ attack.
Key Takeaways
- Vegas scored three third-period goals to erase a 4-1 deficit, showcasing resilience.
- Dallas shooters Robertson and Rantanen delivered in the shootout for the extra point.
- The Knights now face ongoing challenges in skills competitions, slipping to 1-3-2 lately.
The Golden Knights demonstrated grit in the rally but must address shootout inconsistencies to climb the standings. Dallas strengthens its position with the road win. What are your thoughts on Vegas’ comeback effort? Share in the comments below.
