Victor Olofsson netted the game-winner with just over three minutes remaining, finishing off a sharp setup from William Karlsson behind the net, as the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 on Sunday night.
With the win, Vegas extended its lead atop the Pacific Division to five points over the Los Angeles Kings, though the Golden Knights have played one more game. Vancouver remains eight points out of playoff contention with just four games left.
Ivan Barbashev and Nicolas Roy also scored for the Golden Knights, and Adin Hill turned aside 19 shots. Nils Hoglander and Aatu Raty provided the goals for the Canucks, while Kevin Lankinen stopped 32 of 35 shots.
Both teams were coming off wins on Saturday — Vegas topped Calgary 3-2 in overtime, while Vancouver handled Anaheim 6-2.
Hoglander got Vancouver on the board early, scoring 4:46 into the first period in his return after a six-game absence due to injury. Barbashev answered for Vegas at 8:36, and Roy gave the visitors a 2-1 lead later in the period.
Raty tied the game at 8:03 of the second, jamming in a rebound from a Filip Hronek shot. Vegas challenged the goal for goaltender interference, but after a lengthy review, the call on the ice stood. Hill made a key stop on the ensuing power play to preserve the tie.
Game Takeaways
Golden Knights: Vegas went 0-for-2 on the power play and has now failed to score in its last six chances with the man advantage.
Canucks: Hoglander made an immediate impact upon returning to the lineup, replacing rookie Jonathan Lekkerimaki and scoring his seventh goal of the season.
Key Moment
Raty’s second-period goal pulled the Canucks even and survived a coach’s challenge for goaltender interference. The successful ruling gave Vancouver a power play, but Hill devised a clutch save to keep the game tied.
Key Stat
Vegas dominated the third period, outshooting Vancouver 12-2 before Olofsson sealed the win late.
Up next
Golden Knights: Wrap up their road trip Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche.
Canucks: Travel to face the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.
