LAS VEGAS — Mark Stone showcased a stellar performance with a goal and two assists, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a decisive 6-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday evening.

The game started on a rocky note for the Golden Knights, who found themselves down 1-0 just under three minutes into the match. However, they quickly bounced back, scoring three consecutive goals in the opening period to take control of the game. Keegan Kolesar was instrumental in leveling the score at 1-1, after which Brett Howden capitalized on a feed from Jack Eichel behind the net, putting Vegas ahead with a close-range goal. Nic Hague later extended the lead to 3-1 with a goal of his own before the first period concluded.

The scoring continued in the third period, with William Karlsson and Noah Hanifin adding to the tally for Vegas. Ilya Samsonov was solid in goal, making 21 saves and improving his record to 8-3-1. Jack Eichel contributed to the offense with two assists during the game.

On the other side, Vince Dunn and Jaden Schwartz managed to get on the scoreboard for Seattle, while goaltender Philipp Grubauer recorded 29 saves, marking a disappointing record of 3-10-0 this season.

Highlights of the game included the return of center Chandler Stephenson to Vegas, after signing with the Kraken as a free agent in the offseason. Stephenson is notably the only player in NHL history to lift the Stanley Cup twice while in Vegas — first with the Washington Capitals in 2018 and then with the Golden Knights in 2023.

The Golden Knights have now secured three consecutive victories and seven wins in their last eight games throughout December. With this recent win, they solidify their lead in the Pacific Division with 47 points, four ahead of the Los Angeles Kings, who sit at 43 points, and are just two points behind the Winnipeg Jets, currently leading the Western Conference at 49 points.

A crucial moment in the match occurred when Kolesar tied the game at 1-all, taking a well-placed cross-ice pass from Victor Olofsson for a breakaway goal, marking his personal best with eight goals this season.

In terms of statistics, the Kraken now hold a dismal record of 1-17-1 when trailing after two periods, while the Golden Knights remain a formidable 12-1-0 when they lead after the first 40 minutes of play.

Looking ahead, the Golden Knights are set to host the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night, while the Kraken will take on the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.