The NHL playoffs consistently deliver excitement, and Saturday night was no exception, featuring an incredible moment. Reilly Smith`s goal as time expired secured the victory for the Vegas Golden Knights, keeping their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers alive.
Smith was undoubtedly the standout player, scoring twice in Vegas` 4-3 Game 3 win over Edmonton. His first goal was a spectacular solo effort, navigating through three Oilers defenders before a skillful move past Stuart Skinner. However impressive, this goal was overshadowed by the game`s final moments.
This is because, with only 0.4 seconds remaining, Smith scored the game-winner, giving Vegas their first victory in the series. This goal provided a huge boost for the Golden Knights, especially after Connor McDavid had tied the game with just over three minutes left, a moment that seemed to signal another tough loss for Vegas before Smith`s dramatic intervention.
The earlier game of the night was less dramatic. The Carolina Hurricanes, behind a stellar performance from goaltender Frederik Andersen, dominated the Washington Capitals en route to a 4-0 win. Andersen stopped all 21 shots he faced, many of which were high-quality scoring chances.
Unsurprisingly, Smith and Andersen were selected as part of the 3 Stars of the Night, an honor given to the best players from each day of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
3. Corey Perry | RW | Oilers
Proving age is just a number, Perry was impactful in Game 3 with his two first-period goals, sparking the Oilers and achieving a bit of history. His first goal came early, just 7:19 into the game, off a drop pass from Connor McDavid. Just minutes later, he added a second goal by tipping in an Evan Bouchard shot.
At 39 years old, Perry became the oldest Oiler ever to score multiple goals in a playoff game and the third-oldest player in NHL history to score twice in a single playoff period.
2. Frederik Andersen | G | Hurricanes
After missing a previous game due to injury, there were questions about Andersen`s readiness for the second round. However, he`s been outstanding, especially in Game 3 against Washington. Andersen achieved a shutout, stopping all 21 shots.
While the shot volume wasn`t high, he faced numerous dangerous opportunities, seeing eight high-danger shots compared to seven for his Capitals counterpart. According to Natural Stat Trick, his performance saved 1.71 goals above average in Game 3. Combined with Carolina`s tight defensive structure, Washington found it impossible to score.
1. Reilly Smith | RW | Golden Knights
With Mark Stone largely sidelined by injury in Game 3, the Golden Knights desperately needed someone to step up if they were to get back in the series. Reilly Smith answered the call, highlighted by his game-winning goal at the buzzer in Edmonton.
Earlier, in the first period, Smith scored a beautiful goal to tie the game at 2, navigating through defenders and making a slick move on the goalie. However, that play was later forgotten in the face of the game`s climax.
After Connor McDavid`s late equalizer threatened overtime, William Karlsson chipped the puck towards the net. Smith controlled it in the high slot, faked out two defenders, outwaited Skinner, and fired the decisive shot with just 0.4 seconds remaining, securing a vital win for Vegas.
