FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Wild - Game 77 - 2023

FSM Essential Recap: Golden Knights vs Wild – Game 77 – 2023

Franchise Sports Media

Vegas Golden Knights (48-22-7)  | Minnesota Wild  (44-23-10)

Pavel Dorofeyev has his first NHL multi-goal game as the Golden Knights prevail over the Minnesota Wild in a shootout, 4-3. 

The Golden Knights vs Wild start of the first period.

The Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild met again in a rematch, only this time, the game was at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild sought to avenge their recent loss to the Golden Knights in Las Vegas, but it did not turn out that way. The Golden Knights prevailed, winning in a shootout 4-3.

Despite the loss, the Minnesota Wild still clinched a playoff spot with the Dallas Stars defeating the Nashville Predators 5-1.

“We’re going to play every game to get two points,” Minnesota coach Dean Evason said. “That’s what we’re going to do. We’re not focused on getting higher in the standings. We’re focused on getting two points. We’re going to talk about trying to stay as healthy as we possibly can when we get into the playoffs.”

For Vegas, with the win, they still stand atop first place in the Pacific Division moving three points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings and four points ahead of the Edmonton Oilers.

“We weren’t at our best. We know that,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “First period was fine, we were OK. Then in the second, we got loose with some net-front stuff. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to win some of those games with your B game, so to speak. We were able to do it, so good for us.”

Keegan Kolesar, Pavel Dorofeyev, and William Karlsson had two assists each, and Laurent Brossoit had 30 saves.

“It’s huge because these are important games for us,” Kolesar said. “For a team who wants to go the distance, we might be seeing these guys later on. So, for us, it’s taking care of business, home or away, whatever it may be.”

The Golden Knights vs Wild ended the first period.

The Golden Knights struck first in the first period, but in the second period, the Wild controlled the tempo. 

The Golden Knights vs Wild start of the second and third periods.

The Wild led the game 2-1 until Dorofeyev tied the game with a one-timer.

“I just try to keep feeding him the puck because it seems like he’s got a lot of confidence right now,” Smith said. “He’s putting it in the back of the net. As a linemate of his, you just got to keep feeding him and giving him opportunities. I was pretty shocked that he missed a couple of games, but it’s great to see him jump back in and not lose a beat.”

Minnesota went back in front 3-2 with a goal from Matt Boldy. But then, in the third period, Dorofeyev tied it again 3-3 at 19:25 of the third period. Brossoit was then pulled for the extra skater.

The game went into overtime, but neither team scored, and the overtime went into a shootout.

Jack Eichel and Reilly Smith scored the shootout goals along with Pavel Dorofeyev to give Vegas the win 4-3.

With the second goal of the night for Dorofeyev, it was his first NHL multi-goal game since being recalled from the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League on March 12

The Golden Knights vs Wild final score was 4-3, Vegas.

On Tuesday, the Golden Knights will play against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The puck drops at 5:00 pm. The game can be seen on AT&T SportsNet (channel 313 on Cox Cable) or heard on 98.9 FM, FOX Sports Las Vegas 1340 AM.