Almost three minutes had been played in overtime when Jack Eichel scored the 6:5 for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Toronto Maple Leafs, thus securing his team’s sixth win in a row. Previously, Vegas had only saved itself into overtime shortly before the end.
The Maple Leafs led 4-2 at the start of the third period before Pavel Dorofeyev shortened the lead for the first time (43′). Scott Laughton (49′) extended the lead again, but the Golden Knights responded directly through Mark Stone (51′). It is finally Tomas Hertl who saves the Golden Knights in the 6-on-5 fast break with seven seconds left in overtime.
Match winner Eichel also confirmed his outstanding form against the Maple Leafs. In addition to his winning goal, he also had three assists. Mark Stone also contributed two assists in addition to one goal.
Marner successful against former team
Mitch Marner, who moved from the Maple Leafs to the Golden Knights via sign-and-trade in the summer, recorded two assists against his former team. Adin Hill made 23 saves in goal when he returned to the ice after a nearly three-month injury layoff.
For the Maple Leafs, William Nylander and John Tavares each scored a goal and an assist. Nylander, who leads Toronto as top scorer with 48 points, injured his lower body in the first third and then only watched the game from the sidelines. Matias Maccelli and Matthew Knies each received two assists. Joseph Woll made 28 saves.
The Golden Knights (23-11-12) can extend their winning streak against the Nashville Predators (22-20-4) on Sunday after their second overtime win in a row (4 p.m.).
The Maple Leafs (23-16-7) also have another away game at the Winnipeg Jets (19-22-5) on Sunday (1 p.m.).
