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.
-
Golden Knights open Tortorella era with 4-2 win over Canucks
The Golden Knights brought a three-game skid into Monday and opened their final eight-game stretch with a much-needed win. Vegas is in third place in the Pacific Division.
John Tortorella speaks as new head coach for Vegas Golden Knights
John Tortorella is the new head coach, with eight games left in the regular season and the postseason fast approaching. He last coached the Philadelphia Flyers but was let go a year ago in his third season with the team.
FULL PRESSER: Golden Knights GM speaks on coaching shakeup
Head Coach Bruce Cassidy is out after the team announced it was parting ways with him on Sunday. Now, John Tortorella is the new head coach, with eight games left in the regular season.
McCrimmon, Tortorella speak on coaching changes for Vegas Golden Knights
Head Coach Bruce Cassidy is out after the team announced it was parting ways with him on Sunday. Now, John Tortorella is the new head coach, with eight games left in the regular season.
