Vegas scored four goals in the third period to erase a 3-1 deficit
ByGordon Weigers
VegasGoldenKnights.com
In their first game of the round robin portion of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers, the Vegas Golden Knights used a four-goal third period to top the Dallas Stars, 5-3, on Monday night at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
HOW IT WENT DOWN Chandler Stephenson opened the scoring just 1:04 into the first period to give Vegas its first goal of the postseason. The Golden Knights held that lead through the first 20 minutes, but the tide turned in the second period as Joe Pavelski, Jamie Oleksiak and Corey Perry scored to give Dallas a 3-1 edge. Midway through the third period, Mark Stone got Vegas back in the game as he picked the top left corner to cut the deficit to 3-2. Nate Schmidt scored the game-tying goal less than two minutes later to set up William Carrier's go-ahead tally with 5:13 to play. An empty-net goal from William Karlsson gave Vegas all it needed for the 5-3 win.
TURNING POINT
With a 3-1 lead in the third period, the Stars were fighting to defend their lead as the clock wound down. Instead, Stone bulled his way into the Dallas zone and let fly a deadly wrist shot that caught Ben Bishop off-guard. Stone's goal gave the Golden Knights life and the team rode that surge to the two-goal victory.
TOP PERFORMERS Mark Stone: Stone recorded two points (1G, 1A) in the victory.
Nate Schmidt:Schmidt potted the game-tying goal to go along with one assist.
William Karlsson: Karlsson assisted on the opening goal and added the insurance marker in the final minute.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Golden Knights return to action Thursday as they move on their second game of the round robin. Vegas will face St. Louis with the time still yet to be determined. Fans can catch that game on AT&T SportsNet, FOX Sports Radio 98.9/1340 and Deportes Vegas 1460.
