TC Martin

VGK Rolls, Takes 2-1 Series Lead   

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After two low scoring games, the goals finally came crashing i to the net.  Fortunately for the Vegas Golden Knights most of them went their way in a 6-2 crushing of the Anaheim Ducks.

 

Mitch Marner had a natural hat trick and assisted on a short-handed goal for Vegas in Game 3 of the Western Conference Second Round at Honda Center on Friday.  It was the first career Stanley Cup Playoff hat trick for Marner, who also set an NHL postseason high with four points.

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"It's always nice to try and contribute in a couple games but, at the end of the day, you just want to win games," Marner said. "Tonight, a lot of great plays by a lot of people around me to set me up in a spot I could succeed in."

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Each team won a previous game by the identical 3-1 score. Each has added an empty netter at the end meaning these are tight contests throughout. This once defensive battle now sees the offense surging. 

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The Golden Knights won the opener on Monday despite being outshot and outhit. If you ask the Ducks, they will tell you that the officials played a part in that game.  The officials waved off an icing call that eventually led to the game deciding goal for Vegas.  

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In Game 2 on Wednesday night, the Ducks got the better of the Knights in nearly pitching a shutout courtesy of a great game by goaltender, Lukas Dostal who saved the first 21 shots of the contest only to let a meaningless goal in with :06 to go.  

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The Ducks defense was a huge point of concern entering this series. Anaheim allowed 3.51 goals per game in the regular season, 29th in the NHL and worst among the teams that made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

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Game 4 will take place Sunday in Anaheim. ​​​