Forward Reilly Smith's goal with 0.4 seconds remaining in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinal against the Edmonton Oilers did more than break a 3-3 tie, it breathed life into the Golden Knights.
After losing the first two games in Vegas, the Golden Knights were in desperation mode with their backs against the wall.
Smith's last-second shot deflected into the net off Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl's stick to give Vegas a shocking 4-3 victory on Saturday night, and cut the Oilers' series lead in half.
🎥 Cassidy: You don't see too many finishes like that. Good for us to get one to go in our favor. pic.twitter.com/fUANrX6Zie
— y-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 11, 2025
"You leave it all out there, and fractions of a second can break your heart or do the opposite," Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said.
Corey Perry gave Edmonton an early 2-0 lead, but Nicolas Roy and Smith tied it with goals in 54 seconds late in the first period.
Center William Karlsson gave Vegas a 3-2 lead with 2:55 left in the second frame when he beat goalie Stuart Skinner off a give-and-go play with defenseman Noah Hanifin. Oilers star Connor McDavid tied it with 3:02 left in the game when his centering pass caromed off defender Brayden McNabb's skate and into the net.
Adin Hill stopped 17 shots for Vegas, while Skinner made 20 saves for Edmonton.
Skinner was making his first appearance in the series, as he stepped in for Calvin Pickard, who injured his left leg when Vegas forward Tomas Hertl landed on his left pad in Game 2.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday in Edmonton.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
IRONMAN MCNABB: Despite being injured during overtime of Game 2, McNabb was a pleasant surprise for the Knights in Game 3. McNabb was considered day-to-day after sustaining a controversial injury in Vegas' 5-4 overtime loss in Vegas. No call was made on what appeared to be tripping, and rather than Vegas skating with a man advantage, Draisaitl ended the game 17 seconds later. McNabb finished with an assist and three hits for the Knights on Saturday night.
STONE INJURED: Golden Knights captain Mark Stone was lost when he left the game with an upper-body injury. Stone, who has been a major contributor for Vegas during the postseason with four goals and eight points, exited in the first period, three shifts after he lost his balance and collided with Corey Perry. Cassidy said he's hoping for better news in the morning, but is considered day-to-day. Cassidy also said Stone has…