Reilly Smith scored twice, Mark Stone continued his hot streak and the Vegas Golden Knights overcame an early injury to their goaltender to storm back for a 5-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night.
Smith’s two-goal effort was his first multi-goal game since April of last season. Stone added a goal and two assists, extending his career-best goal streak to six games — just one shy of the franchise record set by Max Pacioretty in 2021.
Vegas also got a goal and an assist from Jack Eichel, a tally from Brett Howden, and two assists each from Mitch Marner and Tomas Hertl. Akira Schmid stepped in after Carter Hart exited at 8:24 of the first period and turned aside 21 shots to steady the Golden Knights.
For Columbus, Boone Jenner recorded a goal and an assist, while Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko also scored. Sean Monahan chipped in two assists, and Jet Greaves made 21 saves.
The Blue Jackets jumped out to a 2-0 lead midway through the opening period, with the first goal coming against a visibly injured Hart. Vegas answered quickly, as Smith struck late in the first and then again early in the second to even the score.
Goals from Eichel at even strength and Stone on the power play gave the Golden Knights a 4-2 cushion heading into the final period, and Vegas held on to secure its first set of back-to-back wins since mid-December. The victory kept the Golden Knights tied with Edmonton atop the Pacific Division.
Up next
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Blue Jackets: Visit Colorado on Saturday.
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Golden Knights: Host St. Louis on Saturday.
