The Golden Knights return to the series
LAS VEGAS – The Vegas Golden Knights scored five unanswered goals to beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 in Game 4 at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.
Jonathan marchessault scored his first career playoff hat trick and William karlsson amassed three assists for the Golden Knights, who tied the game 2-2 in the four-of-seven series. Marc-André Fleury had just 18 shots and gave up just once.
The Avalanche lost in a second straight duel after winning their first six playoff games. Brandon saad scored Colorado’s only goal and Philipp grubauer made 30 saves.
Game 5 is in Denver on Tuesday (9 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVAS, CBC).
Saad had quickly given the Avalanche the lead by jumping on the return throw from JT Compher after 1:50 of play. Fleury lost control of the disc on the initial shot.
Marchessault woke up the Golden Knights at 7:07 am after a crazy streak. Patrik Nemeth caused a turnaround near his net and Reilly smith hit the crossbar head-on after recovering the puck. Coming up from Grubauer’s semicircle, Marchessault redirected Karlsson’s pass a few seconds later.
Video: Marchessault propels Vegas to victory
Max Pacioretty went 2-1 Vegas early in the second period, at 1:11. His powerful left flank wrist shot during a counterattack surprised the keeper.
Marchessault then took advantage of a power play to double his team’s lead at 11:28. His shot on reception left no chance for Grubauer. Then, he completed his hat-trick at 6:01 from the last commitment by completing the beautiful pass from Smith’s backhand. The rain of caps followed.
Patrick Brown made it 5-1 at 1:13 pm shooting from close range. His shot was stopped by Grubauer, but Grubauer carried the puck with him across the goal line in his slide. As the video replay confirmed the goal, the Avalanche coach challenged the decision for obstructing the goalkeeper, but was not ruled in favor.
