LAS VEGAS (AP) — Reilly Smith scored twice, Mark Stone extended his goal streak to six games and the Vegas Golden Knights overcame an early injury to goalie Carter Hart, rallying past the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3 on Thursday night.
It was Smith's first two-goal game since scoring twice on April 5 last season against Calgary. Stone had three points and added to his career-best goal streak that is one behind the Golden Knights record set by Max Pacioretty in 2021.
Jack Eichel had a goal and an assist for Vegas, Brett Howden also scored and Mitch Marner and Tomas Hertl each had two assists. Akira Schmid made 21 saves in relief of Hart, who went out at 8:24 of the first period.
Boone Jenner had a goal and an assist for the Blue Jackets. Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko both scored, and Sean Monahan finished with two assists. Jet Greaves stopped 21 shots.
It's the first time the Golden Knights have won back-to-back games since winning at Philadelphia and Columbus on Dec. 11 and 13. Vegas, however, is tied with Edmonton for first place in the Pacific Division.
Columbus took a 2-0 lead midway through the first period, the first goal coming when Jenner got the puck past a clearly compromised Hart.
But then the Golden Knights roared back as Smith scored with 7:40 left in the first period and then 5:19 into the second to tie the game. Goals by Eichel at even strength and Stone on a power play made it 4-2 entering the second intermission.
Up next
Blue Jackets: Visit the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
Golden Knights: Host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.
-
Knights in the Morning: Noah Hanifin says Four Nations Face-Off helped him grow
Being selected for his first Olympic team is a dream come true for Noah Hanifin, who credits his experience in last year's Four Nations Face-Off with preparing him for the moment.
Tomas Hertl scores in OT as Golden Knights win 4-3, hand Jets 10th straight loss
Reilly Smith had a goal and an assist, Mitch Marner also had a power-play goal, and Brett Howden also scored for the Golden Knights, who snapped a five-game skid.
Hat trick leads to Blackhawks' 3-2 OT victory over Golden Knights
Mark Stone and Brandon Saad scored for Vegas. Stone had his fourth goal in four games to give Vegas a 2-1 lead 42 seconds into the second period.
Golden Knights defenseman joining Eichel as part of USA's Olympic hockey team
This announcement comes days after Team Canada announced its roster will include forwards Mitch Marner and Mark Stone as well as defenseman Shea Theodore.
