Smith's goal in 3rd period helps the Golden Knights beat the Canucks 2-1

DARRYL DYCK/AP

Vegas Golden Knights' Jack Eichel (9) puts a shot wide of the net behind Vancouver Canucks goalie Nikita Tolopilo (60) while being checked by Victor Mancini (90) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

By: Associated Press

VANCOVUER, British Columbia (AP) — Cole Smith's goal midway through the third period proved to be the winner as the Vegas Golden Knights held on to beat the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Max Sasson opened the scoring for the Canucks (22-47-8) with a wrist shot over the glove of Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart at the 12:50 mark of the second period. It was his 13th goal of the season.

Brayden McNabb replied for Vegas (36-26-16) less than three minutes later, sending a shot through traffic to tie the score at 1. Smith scored the go-ahead goal 12:13 into the third.

Vancouver had a prime chance to force extra time when Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson was called for interference with less than two minutes left. The Canucks pulled goalie Nikita Tolopilo in favor of an extra attacker, but failed to score.

Hart stopped 10 of the 11 shots he faced for the Golden Knights. Tolopilo made 26 saves for the Canucks.

Vegas extended its winning streak to four games under new head coach John Tortorella, who took over behind the bench March 31.

The Golden Knights swept the three-game season series between the teams after winning 5-2 on Feb. 4 and 4-2 on March 30 in Vegas.