The Vegas Golden Knights are just two wins away from the Stanley Cup Final.
After tying up the series in Winnipeg on Monday, Vegas fed off the lively T-Mobile Arena crowd to claim Game 3 and taking a 2-1 series lead.
The start couldn’t have been better for the Golden Knights. Jonathan Marchessault scored on a flashy backhand just 35 seconds into the game.
Speed, dangles and hustle. There's not much @JMarchessault18 doesn't have. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/GcEDaHYUFU
— NHL (@NHL) May 17, 2018
After Winnipeg evened up the score, Vegas regained the lead just 12 seconds later when a mistake by the Winnipeg goalie led to James Neal finding the back of the net at the 14:20 mark in the second period.
Take advantage of opportunity, no matter how its presented. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/jJ5W5J8i0t
— NHL (@NHL) May 17, 2018
The Golden Knights added to the lead at the 11:47 mark of the second period via an Alex Tuch goal, making the score 3-1.
NHL Playoffs: Golden Knights Win, One Victory Away From Conference Finals
Full send? Alex prefers to call it a full Tuch. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/PYJZ1n23y2
— NHL (@NHL) May 17, 2018
The Jets got one back just 18 seconds into the final period, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Winnipeg dominated much of the period offensively and had multiple chances to even up the score, but Vegas goalie Marc Andre-Fleury was having none of it, making save after save to keep the home side ahead.
The greatest Flower in Vegas. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/qoxblGWk5w
— NHL (@NHL) May 17, 2018
The Golden Knights held firm, and Jonathan Marchessault added his second goal of the game on an empty netter with 2.7 seconds left for a 4-2 win. With the goal, Marchessault recorded his second straight multi-goal game, helping lead Vegas to back-to-back wins after dropping Game 1.
James Neal added a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, and Marc Andre-Fleury continued his fantastic postseason recording 33 saves.
Vegas will look to take a 3-1 lead and move within one win of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday. Game 4 is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. MT and can be viewed on NBC Sports Network.
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