The Vegas Golden Knights scored three goals in the third period to secure a thrilling 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night at the United Center, extending their winning streak to five games. The Golden Knights, now boasting a record of 44-20-8, showcased their resilience by overcoming a one-goal deficit in the final frame.
Despite a lackluster start, the Golden Knights found their rhythm late in the game. Chicago took an early lead when Ryan Donato capitalized on a breakaway, scoring at 16:15 of the first period after a save by Adin Hill on his initial attempt. The Blackhawks, who now sit at 21-43-9, entered the first intermission with a 1-0 advantage.
The second period saw a flurry of activity as both teams exchanged goals. Mark Stone tied the game for Vegas at 6:41, firing a shot that slipped through Spencer Knight's five-hole. Just 53 seconds later, Victor Olofsson put the Golden Knights ahead with his first goal in 21 games, completing a give-and-go with William Karlsson.
However, the Blackhawks responded quickly, with Donato scoring twice more in the second period to complete his hat trick, giving Chicago a 3-2 lead heading into the third. His second goal came during a delayed penalty, showcasing a beautiful passing play that ended with a wrist shot from the low left circle. Just 15 seconds later, Donato struck again, this time with a one-timer from the right circle, leaving the Golden Knights reeling.
As the third period began, the Golden Knights knew they had to step up their game. Olofsson tied the score at 3-3 just 2:06 into the period, firing a wrist shot past Knight after receiving a chip pass from Reilly Smith. This goal marked Olofsson's second of the night and breathed new life into the Golden Knights.
With just over four minutes left in the game, Mark Stone drew a penalty, giving Vegas a crucial power play opportunity. The Golden Knights capitalized when Pavel Dorofeyev scored his 31st goal of the season on a one-timer from Noah Hanifin, putting Vegas ahead for good at 4-3.
In the closing moments, Brett Howden sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, capping off the scoring at 5-3. Adin Hill, despite a less-than-stellar save percentage of .857, made key stops throughout the night, finishing with 18 saves on 21 shots.
"Good teams find ways to win, and the Golden Knights did just that," said Hill after the game. "We had our lapses, but we managed to regroup and take control in the third period. Every point is crucial as we head into the final stretch of the season."
Victor Olofsson expressed relief after breaking his scoring drought, stating, "It’s definitely nice to get a couple here. Like I told you at intermission, I hadn’t scored in a while, so it definitely helps the confidence and gives me a good boost going forward." His performance, alongside that of Stone and Karlsson, who combined for five points, was instrumental in the win.
The Golden Knights' victory over the Blackhawks not only solidifies their position in the Pacific Division but also highlights their ability to win in challenging situations. With ten games remaining in the regular season, the Golden Knights maintain a nine-point lead over the Edmonton Oilers, who currently sit in second place.
As the playoffs approach, the Golden Knights will need to build on this momentum. They have shown that even when they don’t play at their best, they can still find ways to secure victories. The upcoming match against the Nashville Predators will be another test of their resolve and depth.
Looking ahead, Jack Eichel is just nine points away from reaching the 100-point milestone, while Keegan Kolesar's assist on Olofsson's first goal marked the 100th point of his career. With players like Dorofeyev stepping up in Hertl's absence, the Golden Knights are poised to make a significant impact as the postseason approaches.
Overall, the game against Chicago was a testament to the Golden Knights' grit and determination. Despite defensive lapses and a slow start, they managed to rally in the third period, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. As they gear up for the final stretch of the season, one thing is clear: the Golden Knights are a team that knows how to win, even when the odds are stacked against them.
