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: Zach Whitecloud talks improvements for this season
Zach Whitecloud had a career high number of games last season that he's working to build upon this year.
Bowman scores on power play again as Golden Knights hold off Rangers 3-2
Rookie forward Braeden Bowman scored his second career goal and the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Family honors late fan with 'Jes Forever' tradition for Hockey Fights Cancer
The Kasch family honors Jessica Kasch every Hockey Fights Cancer night, wearing “Jes Forever” jerseys to celebrate the Golden Knights fan who died in 2020 after battling glioblastoma.
Kaprizov scores on late OT power play to left Wild past Golden Knights, 3-2
Kirill Kaprizov scored on a one-timer from the right side on a power play at 4:50 of overtime to give the Minnesota Wild a 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night.
