Jack Eichel recorded his fifth career hat trick, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night.
Brett Howden and Tanner Pearson also scored for Vegas, while Noah Hanifin and Mark Stone each picked up two assists. Adin Hill made 23 saves as the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights secured their fourth straight win.
Marcus Johansson scored Minnesota’s lone goal, and Marc-Andre Fleury made 33 saves in net. The Wild have now dropped back-to-back games.
Vegas pulled away late, scoring three goals in the final 5:03. Eichel made it 3-1 on a power play just 13 seconds after Minnesota’s Ryan Hartman was penalized for high-sticking. Pearson added an empty netter, and Eichel capped off the night with a wrist shot past Fleury for his first hat trick since March 19, 2023.
Game Takeaways
Golden Knights: Defenseman Shea Theodore returned to the lineup after a stint on long-term injured reserve. His return came at a key time, as Alex Pietrangelo was a late scratch due to injury.
Wild: Minnesota’s offensive struggles continued without injured stars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. The Wild managed just four shots in the opening period and failed to register a single shot during their lone power play.
Key Moment
The Wild thought they tied the game 2-2 in the third when Marco Rossi redirected a shot into the net, but the goal was waved off for a high stick, preserving Vegas’s lead.
Key Stat
Minnesota has scored only 33 goals across 16 games since the NHL resumed after its extended February break.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Knights continue their road trip Friday in Chicago, while the Wild return home to host the Washington Capitals on Thursday.
