In a thrilling matchup in Chicago, Pavel Dorofeyev clinched the game for the Vegas Golden Knights with a decisive power-play goal with just over three minutes remaining. This late-game heroics propelled the Golden Knights to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, marking their fifth consecutive win.
Victor Olofsson was instrumental in the Golden Knights’ triumph, netting two goals, while team captain Mark Stone contributed with both a goal and an assist. Brett Howden secured an empty-net goal in the final moments, and William Karlsson showcased his playmaking ability with three assists. Vegas goaltender Adin Hill was solid between the pipes, turning away 18 shots.
For Chicago, it was a night highlighted by Ryan Donato’s impressive performance as he achieved his first career hat trick. Despite his efforts, the Blackhawks continue to struggle, losing nine of their last ten games and finding themselves anchored at the bottom of the Central Division.
The game turned when Dorofeyev unleashed a one-timer from the right circle, marking his 31st goal of the season. This crucial play came during the Golden Knights’ second power-play opportunity of the night, resulting from a hooking penalty against Teuvo Teravainen.
Ryan Donato has emerged as a standout for Chicago, now leading the team with 28 goals, a personal record for him, surpassing his previous high of 16 goals in any of his prior seven NHL seasons.
The match saw Donato initially putting Chicago ahead in the first period with a rebound goal. Vegas responded in the second period with two quick goals from Stone and Olofsson, giving them a 2-1 lead. However, Donato’s persistence paid off as he leveled the score at 2-all and promptly completed his hat trick a mere 15 seconds later.
Olofsson equalized once more in the third period, with a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar to knot the score at 3.
Key takeaways from the game included Vegas playing without leading goal scorer Tomas Hertl and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, both sidelined with injuries. The Blackhawks showed early vigor but squandered several premium scoring opportunities.
A pivotal moment occurred when goalie Adin Hill made a crucial save against Frank Nazar, who had a clear path to the goal with just over seven minutes left, maintaining the tie game in favor of Vegas.
The Golden Knights, holding a record of 44-20-8 and accumulating 96 points, are edging closer to securing their fifth division title within eight seasons.
Looking ahead, Vegas will face off against the Nashville team on Saturday, while the Blackhawks will prepare to host Utah on Sunday.