Golden Knights score game winner in overtime, lead series 2-1

SAN JOSE, Calif. – In a back-and-forth game, the Las Vegas Golden Knights’ William Karlsson earned the win in overtime, and they lead the series 2-1 with a final score of 4-3. Despite the Sharks early lead in the game, the Golden Knights scored three quick goals in the second period for the lead going into the third period. The Sharks found a way to even the score to force the overtime period. But too many penalties and a defensive breakdown lead to the game winning goal after 8:17 in the overtime period.

Las Vegas Golden Knights Celebration after the game winning goal in overtime. Photo by Jack Lima

The defense on both teams stepped up during this game, limiting shots on goal for both sides of the first period and nearly half of the second.

The Sharks posted the first goal of the night on a power play at 6:59 into the second period. Sharks’ Mikkel Boedker’s shot was blocked by Marc-Andre Fleury, and sent back out into play. Another bounce went to the opposite side to Timo Meier, who sent the puck screaming to the back of the net. This was Meier’s second goal of the post season.

The Sharks didn’t hold the lead long though, less than three minutes later, also on a power play, James Neal passed the puck across the front of the crease to Colin Miller, to finish the puck to the back of the net opposite Martin Jones. Jonathan Marchessault also scored a power play goal to put the Golden Knights into the lead at the 13:09 marker, then another goal shortly afterwards off the stick of Riley Smith to make it 3-1.

With 12:11 remaining in the third period, Evander Kane beat Fleury five hole, while Couture formed a screen in front of his net. The Golden Knights demanded a review of the goal, however the call on the ice stood to bring the Sharks to within one goal. Kane’s goal was assisted by Brent Burns.

With only 1:57 remaining in regulation, Tomas Hertl found the net, as the puck went through traffic after a barrage of shots on Fleury to tie the game force the overtime. The goal was Hertl’s fourth goal of the post season.

Chances for both teams early in the overtime period are broken up. A too many men on the ice penalty gave the Golden Knights an early scoring opportunity, when the puck went up and bounced off the top of the pipes. Then only a short time later Fleury made an incredible save when a puck was just off the side, and he was outstretched in the crease.

Then, 3:38 into the period, San Jose’s defense knocked the puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty, giving Las Vegas their second power play of the overtime. Karllson’s goal as he traveled over the blue line, to the top corner beating Jones for the game winner.

Las Vegas leads the series 2-1. The two teams will play again on Wednesday night.