In a thrilling Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinal, Reilly Smith delivered a last-second goal, deflecting off Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl’s stick, to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory for the Vegas Golden Knights. The win narrows Edmonton’s series lead to 2-1, preventing the game from going into overtime despite Oilers superstar Connor McDavid equalizing the score with just over three minutes remaining.
Smith’s game-winner, which occurred with only 0.4 seconds left on the clock, is notable as it ranks among the latest third-period winning goals in NHL playoff history. Previously, Nazem Kadri’s record stood at 0.1 seconds, while Jussi Jokinen scored with 0.2 seconds remaining in 2009. Reflecting on the goal, Smith expressed his faith in the unpredictable nature of the sport, stating, “Sometimes you just hope for the best and that one seemed to work out, thankfully I had enough time.”
The game began unfavorably for the Golden Knights, as Edmonton surged ahead 2-0 with early goals from Corey Perry. However, the tide turned quickly in the first period when Nicolas Roy and Smith scored in quick succession, leveling the score at 2-2. Vegas took its first lead with a goal from William Karlsson late in the second period following a clever exchange with Noah Hanifin.
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy recognized the team’s resilience following a tough start, emphasizing their potential for comebacks. “We know we got good character in the room… there’s a lot of hockey left, we know we have the ability to come back, we can score goals,” he stated.
On the other hand, despite the disappointment of losing in such dramatic fashion, Perry pointed out that the team could use this experience as motivation moving forward, highlighting the competitive spirit in the playoffs.
The Golden Knights will look to carry this momentum into Game 4, which will take place Monday night in Edmonton.
This match exemplifies the unpredictability and excitement of NHL playoffs, showcasing that every moment counts and opportunities can emerge when least expected. The Golden Knights, driven by determination, are poised for another challenge as the series continues.