William Karlsson tipped in the go-ahead goal with just 1:13 remaining and added an empty-netter moments later as the Vegas Golden Knights staged a late comeback to defeat the Utah Hockey Club 4-2 on Friday night.
Karlsson’s late-game heroics capped off the rally, with Tomas Hertl scoring two power-play goals to erase an early two-goal deficit for Vegas. Adin Hill made 32 saves in a strong performance for the Golden Knights.
Logan Cooley and Mikhail Sergachev scored for Utah, while Karel Vejmelka stopped 25 shots in a losing effort.
Cooley gave Utah an early lead with a 30-foot slapshot in the first period, and Sergachev extended the advantage on a power play early in the second. Hertl responded for Vegas later in the period with a tap-in goal to cut the lead to 2-1. He then tied it with a close-range strike midway through the third.
Takeaways
Golden Knights: Despite a slow start offensively, Vegas capitalized on its power-play opportunities, which proved crucial in turning the tide of the game.
Utah: The team’s solid defensive play kept Vegas in check for much of the game, but a lack of offensive chances in the third period opened the door for the Golden Knights’ comeback.
Key Moment
Hertl’s game-tying goal at 11:37 of the third period shifted the momentum entirely to Vegas, setting the stage for Karlsson’s dramatic late-game heroics.
Key Stat
Utah fired 16 shots on goal in the first period, marking their highest shot total in a single period this season.
Up Next
- Golden Knights: Host the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
- Utah: Face the Capitals at home on Monday.
