Golden Knights Dominate Third Period, Defeat Kings, Ruin Panarin’s L.A. Debut
The Vegas Golden Knights showcased an impressive comeback against the Los Angeles Kings with a 6-4 victory on Wednesday night. The highlight of the match was a dominant third period where the Golden Knights netted five goals, led by Pavel Dorofeyev’s two-goal performance. This win also spoiled the much-anticipated debut of Artemi Panarin in Los Angeles.
Key Moments from the Game
The Golden Knights, despite missing five key players due to participation in the Milan Cortina Olympics, demonstrated resilience. They found themselves trailing after two periods but surged back in the final stretch.
Third Period Surge
- Pavel Dorofeyev scored a crucial power-play goal with 4:01 left in the game.
- Colton Sissons, Brandon Saad, and Reilly Smith each contributed a goal in a rapid-fire sequence over just 4 minutes and 14 seconds.
- Ivan Barbashev added a late empty-netter to seal the victory.
Performance Highlights
Adin Hill, the Golden Knights’ goaltender, made a solid 15 saves during the match. The team managed to overcome the absence of key players such as Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, proving their depth and resilience.
Kings Performance
For the Kings, Quinton Byfield shone with two goals, while Adrian Kempe and Brandt Clarke also scored. Panarin, acquired from the New York Rangers earlier in the season, recorded two assists in his debut.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Knights will continue their five-game road trip, facing the Washington Capitals on Friday night. The Kings aim to break their four-game losing streak when they host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.
Ultimately, this match not only marked a significant triumph for the Golden Knights but also highlighted the challenges ahead for the Kings as they search for a playoff spot.