The Vegas Golden Knights (10-4-6) extended their point streak to five games with a 4-1 victory over the Utah Mammoth (10-8-3) Thursday night at Delta Center.
Vegas scored three goals in the second period in a largely dominant effort. Jack Eichel snapped a nine-game goal drought, lighting the lamp twice and recording three points to lead Vegas to its second straight win and third in the last four games.
Braeden Bowman also scored for Vegas, becoming the first player in Golden Knights history to score three goals in his first five NHL games.
After a scoreless opening frame in which both goaltenders played well, Eichel opened the scoring just 3:09 into the second period, cleaning up a rebound in front of an empty cage. It was his ninth goal of the year and first since Oct. 28.
The Golden Knights didn’t waste any time, doubling their lead just 19 seconds later with Ben Hutton’s second goal in the last two games. Hutton had three defenders around him but still drove to the net and put the puck behind Karel Vejmelka.
Former Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt scored his first goal as a member of the Mammoth just 3:10 later to make it a 2-1 game. Shea Thedore lost his footing on a 4-on-4, giving Ian Cole time and space to find Schmidt in the slot. Akira Schmid got a piece of it, but the puck trickled over the goal line at 6:38.
But Vegas was able to restore its two-goal lead before the end of the frame.
Once again, Eichel made his presence felt, this time with an outstanding individual effort off an impressive feed from Bowman. It was a perfect stretch pass and a brilliant finish, and it gave Vegas a 3-1 lead with just 3:09 left in the middle frame. Ironically, Eichel scored at 3:09 of the second and again with 3:09 remaining.
Eichel’s second capped off a three-goal frame for the Golden Knights, and it marked the first career assist and first career 5-on-5 point for Bowman.
The Golden Knights added a fourth goal less than a minute into the third period. This time, Eichel and Bowman switched roles, with Eichel providing a stellar pass to set up the rookie for his third goal and second point of the game.
The Golden Knights closed out the confident 4-1 win, outshooting Utah 33-26 (including 17-9 in the second period).
It was another complete game by the Golden Knights, who were dominant defensively. The only goal against came as the result of Theodore taking a spill. Vegas used that defensive structure to create offense, and Eichel led the way with a massive three-point performance.
Eichel getting the monkey off his back was significant, and he looked like his old self, which is an encouraging sign for the Golden Knights. Eichel’s skill is undeniable, and he makes the Vegas offense so much more dynamic when he’s firing on all cylinders. The chances have been there, but he was able to break through in a big way, recording his eighth multi-point game of the season.
Bowman also continues to excel since getting called up from Henderson. He has three goals and four points in five games, and he and Eichel have demonstrated excellent chemistry.
Schmid has won three straight and is now 9-1-2 with a 2.33 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and one shutout this year. He has yielded a combined four goals in his last three games, and he came up with key saves early in this one to prevent Vegas from chasing.
Quietly, Cole Reinhardt has been an effective bottom-six forward for the Golden Knights. The production may be modest (though he recorded the lone assist on Hutton’s goal), but he makes smart plays and continues to draw penalties. In fact, he has set up a Vegas power play in four consecutive games.
Another unlikely contributor was Hutton, who now has goals in back-to-back games for the first time since 2018 and just the second time in his career. Hutton has been an important member of this team for years; his attitude on and off the ice makes him an ideal teammate, and it’s a huge lift for the entire team to see him get rewarded on the scoresheet. His goal proved to be the game-winner, marking another step forward for the Vegas blue line, which continues to come through after a sluggish start to the season.
Along those lines, Theodore tallied three assists, giving him points in three straight and in five of his last six games. In that span, he has recorded two goals and seven points after managing five points in his first 14 games of the year.
The Golden Knights will continue this three-game road trip with a showdown against the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night before returning to Utah on Monday.