LAS VEGAS — Brett Howden scored a dramatic short-handed goal 5:28 into the second overtime as the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Utah Mammoth 5-4 to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round NHL playoff series.
The series now shifts back to Salt Lake City, where Vegas will have the chance to close it out in Game 6.
Pavel Dorofeyev played a huge role in keeping the Golden Knights alive, scoring a six-on-five goal with just 52.7 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. The forward completed the sixth playoff hat trick in franchise history and more than doubled his previous postseason scoring total, having entered the night with only two playoff goals in 13 career games.
Golden Knights star Jack Eichel praised Dorofeyev’s performance afterward, calling him a massive part of the team and saying it was rewarding to see his recent form finally reflected on the scoresheet.
After a scoreless first overtime period — the first time in the series neither team found the net during a period — the game was finally decided in the second extra frame.
Howden’s winner came after Vegas forced a faceoff deep in Utah’s zone during a Mammoth power play. Mitch Marner battled for the puck along the boards before feeding Howden in the slot, where he fired home the decisive goal.
Howden admitted afterward that the moment felt surreal and said he “kind of blacked out” after getting the shot away.
Vegas also received a goal and assist from Shea Theodore, while Eichel contributed two assists. Goaltender Carter Hart finished with 34 saves in the victory.
For Utah, John Marino, Lawson Crouse and Dylan Guenther all scored, while Clayton Keller added two assists. Karel Vejmelka stopped 31 shots despite the loss.
The Mammoth showed resilience throughout the game, rallying in the third period after trailing 3-2. Guenther tied the score early in the period on a rush chance before Michael Carcone gave Utah the lead later on a two-on-one break.
Special teams continued to be a struggle for both sides. Combined, the teams went just 1-for-10 on the power play. Vegas finally snapped a 13-opportunity drought when Dorofeyev scored late in the first period, though the Golden Knights are still only 3-for-18 with the man advantage in the series. Utah has struggled even more, converting just once in 14 chances.
Howden’s overtime winner marked Vegas’ second short-handed goal of the series, with both belonging to him.
Physical play remained a major theme throughout the contest, as the teams combined for 86 hits in another intense playoff battle. The aggressive approach also led to several penalties, including interference, holding and boarding calls against Utah in the opening period.
Vegas also had its disciplinary issues, including a double-minor high-sticking penalty to Cole Smith just 11 seconds into the third period, though the Golden Knights successfully killed off all four minutes to keep themselves in the game.
