Victor Olofsson`s late goal in the third period propelled the Vegas Golden Knights to a 3-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.
William Karlsson, positioned behind the Canucks` net, delivered a swift pass to Olofsson at the top of the crease. The Swedish winger capitalized, scoring his 14th goal of the season with 3 minutes and 14 seconds remaining.
Ivan Barbashev and Nicolas Roy also contributed goals for the Golden Knights (47-22-8). Goaltender Adin Hill made 19 saves out of 21 shots.
For the Canucks (35-29-13), Nils Hoglander and Aatu Raty found the net. Kevin Lankinen stopped 32 shots in the game.
Both teams were playing their second game of the weekend. Vancouver entered the game following a 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday afternoon, while Vegas was coming off a 3-2 overtime win against the Calgary Flames.
This loss further diminishes Vancouver`s already slim playoff chances, leaving them eight points out of a post-season spot with only four games left.
TAKEAWAYS
Canucks: Hoglander returned to action after a six-game absence due to an undisclosed injury. He quickly made his presence felt by scoring the game`s first goal, his seventh of the season, at 4:46 of the first period. Hoglander took Jonathan Lekkerimaki`s place in the lineup.
Golden Knights: Entering Sunday`s games, the Golden Knights boasted the league`s best power play (30.1 percent). However, they were unsuccessful in two power play opportunities in this game, extending their power-play drought to six.
KEY MOMENT
Raty tied the game 2-2 at 8:03 of the second period, capitalizing on a rebound from Filip Hronek`s shot and scoring his sixth goal of the season over a sprawled-out Hill. The goal was reviewed for goaltender interference initiated by Vegas, who argued Raty made contact with Hill in the crease before the shot, but the goal was upheld.
KEY STAT
Despite the Canucks pulling Lankinen for an extra attacker in the final 85 seconds, Vegas outshot Vancouver 12-2 in the third period.
UP NEXT
Canucks: Visit the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.
Golden Knights: Visit the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
Tristan Blackwood