3 Takeaways: Golden Knights Douse Flames With 3-2 Win To Snap Two-Game Skid
Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime against the Flames in an NHL game at the Saddledome on April 6, 2025. Photo Credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images
LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights grabbed a much-needed win Saturday, snapping a two-game skid with a 3-2 overtime win in Calgary over the Wild Card hopeful Flames.
Reilly Smith scored twice, including the overtime winner at the 4:31 mark to lift the Knights to a win, and extend their lead in the Pacific Division to three points over the hard-charging Los Angeles Kings.
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Akira Schmid, who is now active while regular backup Ilya Samsonov is nursing an injury, made 21 saves for the victory in his first start of the season.
Pavel Dorofeyev opened the scoring for Vegas with a first-period strike. It was his team-leading 33rd of the season.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
POTENTIAL REMATCH? Despite the loss, Calgary moved within four points of idle Minnesota for the second Wild-Card spot in the Western Conference. The Flames are still very relevant in the playoff race, as they've got a game in hand on Minnesota and a meeting with the Wild at the Saddledome this coming Friday. With Calgary keeping their playoff flame burning, it remains one of Vegas' potential first-round foes.
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PACIFIC DIVISION POWER: Though the Golden Knights suffered losses to the Oilers and Kings recently, they boast a 16-4-1 record against the entire Pacific Division. The intradivision success could come into play if either the Knights miraculously end up facing the Flames in the first round, or were to drop out of first place and meet either the Oilers or Kings in the opening round.
PK TURNAROUND: After allowing power-play goals in each of the last two games - both losses - the Golden Knights were a perfect 4 for 4 with their penalty kill in Calgary. It was a much-needed boost to a penalty kill that came into the game ranked 26th overall on the PK, including a dismal 30th on the road. With the season winding down, and the power play a heavy emphasis in the postseason, Vegas' penalty kill will be essential for a Stanley Cup run.
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