“Golden Knights Stun Kraken with Late Comeback in Overtime Thriller”
In a crucial matchup, the Vegas Golden Knights mounted a late comeback, dealing a blow to the Stun Kraken playoff hopes. Jonathan Marchessault’s late goal forced overtime, and Jack Eichel secured a 5-4 victory for the Golden Knights on Tuesday night.
READ: New York Businesses Ordered to Require Masks Indoors or Vaccine Proof
Stun Kraken
Facing a 4-2 deficit in the third period, Vegas orchestrated a comeback, securing two crucial points in the Western Conference standings. The win extended their lead over Seattle to nine points in the race for a wild-card spot. Additionally, Vegas maintained a six-point gap over Minnesota and an eight-point advantage over St. Louis. The loss, however, could jeopardize Seattle’s chances of catching up with the Golden Knights.
Eichel emphasized the importance of desperation and securing points in every game, acknowledging the significance of the two points earned in the matchup. Marchessault’s tying goal, coming with 16 seconds left and the Vegas net empty, showcased the team’s determination.
Marchessault, who scored twice in the game, demonstrated his scoring prowess with 37 goals this season, including five in the last two games. William Karlsson’s goal with 7:37 remaining in the third period was a turning point for Vegas, narrowing the gap to 4-3 less than a minute after Oliver Bjorkstrand extended Seattle’s lead.
In overtime, both goaltenders, Adin Hill for Vegas and Philipp Grubauer for Seattle, made significant saves. However, Eichel’s breakaway goal secured the Golden Knights’ second consecutive victory and marked his 200th career goal.
Seattle, trailing 2-1 entering the third period, staged a three-goal rally to take a 4-2 lead. Matty Beniers, Brandon Tanev, and Bjorkstrand contributed to the Kraken’s surge. Beniers’ early third-period goal tied the game, while Tanev and Bjorkstrand added to Seattle’s lead. However, Vegas’s resilience in the final minutes denied Seattle the crucial two points.
Jordan Eberle, playing in his 1,000th game, became the fifth player from the 2010 draft class to reach this milestone, joining Drew Doughty, Steven Stamkos, Josh Bailey, and Alex Pietrangelo. Eberle, who played with Edmonton and the New York Islanders before joining Seattle, marked the occasion with his 221st game for the Kraken.
The outcome of this matchup significantly impacts the playoff race in the Western Conference, with Vegas solidifying its position while Seattle faces an uphill battle to close the gap.
