The Vegas Golden Knights secured a 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth in double overtime at T-Mobile Arena on Wednesday. Brett Howden’s goal at 5:28 of the second overtime gave Vegas a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference First Round.
Dorofeyev’s Hat Trick Fuels Knights’ Comeback
Pavel Dorofeyev, who had been demoted and benched in previous games, delivered a hat trick for the Golden Knights. His third goal tied the score 4-4 with 52.7 seconds left in the third period. Dorofeyev’s performance came after being moved to the fourth line in Game 3 and then to the first line in Game 4.
Coach John Tortorella praised Dorofeyev, saying he “handled himself really well and found a way to be a star tonight in a big game.”
Dorofeyev’s scoring touch had been a topic of concern, with only one goal in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games last year and none in the first three games of this series. Over the past two regular seasons, he has scored 72 goals.
Tortorella’s Lineup Adjustments Pay Off
Tortorella’s decision to move Dorofeyev to the first line alongside Ivan Barbashev and Jack Eichel in Game 4 aimed to spark the forward’s offensive production. Dorofeyev responded by scoring early in Game 4.
However, Tortorella adjusted his ice time in the third period. Tortorella said he would decide ice time based on what he saw.
Dorofeyev was back on the first line for Game 5. He capitalised with a wrist shot, tying the score 1-1 with 40.2 seconds left in the period.
Controversial Call and Overtime Drama
In Game 4, Dorofeyev appeared to score the winning goal in overtime, but it was disallowed due to an offside call after video review. Shea Theodore eventually scored at 19:08 of OT in Game 4, tying the series 2-2.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Knights can eliminate Utah in Game 6 on Friday. The game will be held at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.