The Vegas Golden Knights are leading their second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks 2-1 after a dominant 6-2 victory in Game 3.
Mitch Marner led the charge with his first career playoff hat trick, also adding an assist. The game took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Golden Knights’ Strong Start Sets the Tone
Vegas came out strong, establishing a 3-0 lead after the first period. Brayden McNabb scored a shorthanded goal.
Shea Theodore contributed a goal and an assist, while Brett Howden scored into an empty net. Carter Hart made 31 saves.
Ducks’ Goalie Change and Offensive Response
The Ducks found themselves trailing 5-0 after two periods. Beckett Sennecke and Chris Kreider managed to get the Ducks on the board in the third period.
Lukáš Dostál was pulled after allowing three goals on eight shots in the first period. Ducks coach Joel Quenneville didn’t commit to Dostál starting Game 4.
Quenneville’s Return to the Playoffs
Anaheim reached the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This is Quenneville’s first season with the team.
Quenneville previously led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships between 2010 and 2015.
Vegas won the Pacific Division title with 95 points and eliminated the Utah Mammoth in six games to advance from the first round, while Anaheim knocked off the Edmonton Oilers in a six-game first-round series.
Game 4 is one to watch as the Ducks look to level the series.