SouthernWorldwide.com – The Stanley Cup Final shifted to Las Vegas for Game 3 with the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes tied at 1-1 after splitting the opening two games in Raleigh.
As expected from the Golden Knights, this game began with theatrical flair, even featuring a cameo from the city’s latest quarterback hope participating in the festivities.
Indeed, who better to man the siren duty than Raiders draft pick and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza?
A significant surprise emerged as the game commenced: Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb, who suffered a slapshot to the face in Game 2, was in the Vegas lineup, albeit protected by a full cage.
It goes without saying, but hockey players possess a remarkable level of resilience.
The first period was characterized by physicality but remained scoreless, with Carolina generating more offensive chances and outshooting Vegas 7-2.
Vegas captain Mark Stone appeared to score just 36 seconds into the second period; however, the goal was disallowed due to an offside call following a Carolina challenge.
A few minutes later, Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel found the back of the net, but Carolina challenged this goal as well. The challenge stemmed from Vegas’ Ivan Barbashev making contact with Canes goalie Frederik Andersen’s head.
This was another straightforward review that resulted in a Golden Knights tally being nullified.
The first penalty of the night was self-inflicted, as the Hurricanes were whistled for too many men on the ice. It did not take long for Tomas Hertl to capitalize on the opportunity.
Then, just moments later—specifically 16 seconds later—Mitch Marner was credited with a goal after Carolina defenseman Sean Walker deflected his shot into his own net.
However, Marner aimed to score in a more conventional manner, which he then proceeded to do.
What’s that, you desire more action?
Well, Mitch Marner, who is enjoying a stellar playoff run, had more in store for you.
That’s right, Marner completed a hat trick in a mere six minutes and 10 seconds. This set a new NHL record.
Although, one can surmise that The Rocket’s first goal of his rapid-fire hat trick was not an own goal, but they do count the same.
What a performance. Perhaps he was simply trying to ensure that the next time the team features him on a rally towel, it would actually resemble him.
Following the second intermission, Andersen was replaced by Brand Bussi, who made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.
Carolina was in disarray during the third period. While on a power play, Sebastian Aho slashed Marner, who was en route to the net on a short-handed breakaway.
Marner was awarded a penalty shot, but Bussi offered little room to shoot, and Marner missed his backhand attempt.
Carolina’s Jordan Martinook put the Hurricanes on the board just before the halfway point of the third period, narrowing the deficit to 4-1.
Moments later, Taylor Hall added another goal, reducing Vegas’ lead to 4-2.
And, while we’re discussing goals, why not include a Jordan Staal tally?
Carolina scored those three goals in 39 seconds, marking the fastest three goals by a single team in Stanley Cup Final history, transforming what appeared to be a certain Vegas victory into a contest once more.
Carolina successfully killed off a delay-of-game penalty, a crucial moment in their comeback effort.
Then, Vegas’ Shea Theodore sent a puck over the glass for a delay of game penalty, granting Carolina a late power play.
And then—as if the game couldn’t get any wilder—Andrei Svechnikov tied the game on the power play with the goalie pulled.
With that, the game proceeded to overtime for the second consecutive game.
In the extra frame, both teams had their share of chances and opportunities to end the game and head to the craps tables, but the first overtime period did not produce a winner.
In the second overtime, a winner was finally decided, and as wild as this game had been, it was only fitting that the game-winner would be extraordinary.
This was the same Shea Theodore, by the way, who launched the puck into the stands that led to the tying goal, and he achieved this after logging 39 minutes of ice time.
What. A. Game.
After this contest, Game 4, scheduled for Tuesday in Las Vegas, is officially must-watch television.
