The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3 on Friday night, thanks in part to key short-handed goals by Brayden McNabb and Jack Eichel early in the third period. The two goals came just seconds apart, shifting the momentum firmly in Vegas’s favor. Alex Pietrangelo played a pivotal role with three assists, while other Golden Knights contributors included Noah Hanifin, Mark Stone, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Brett Howden, all of whom scored goals. Vegas erupted for four unanswered goals in the final frame to secure their victory.
The Sharks, led by rookie Will Smith, had an initial 3-2 lead early in the third period. Smith scored a goal and added an assist, while Shakir Mukhamadullin and Tyler Toffoli also found the back of the net. Toffoli’s goal came late in the second period, when his shot off the back of a Vegas defenseman ricocheted past goalie Adin Hill, giving San Jose a brief lead. However, the Sharks’ momentum quickly vanished as Vegas capitalized on two short-handed goals in quick succession.
Vegas’s victory marked their fifth straight win and extended their dominance with nine victories in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Sharks’ struggles continued, as they fell to their fifth consecutive loss and have now dropped eight of their last nine games and 12 of 14. Despite holding their own against one of the NHL’s top teams for much of the game, San Jose collapsed late in the third period, allowing the Golden Knights to take control.
Before the game, the Sharks held a video tribute to Tomas Hertl, marking his return to San Jose for the first time since being traded to Vegas earlier in the year. Hertl, who spent parts of 11 seasons with the Sharks and helped lead them to the 2019 Western Conference Finals, was celebrated for his contributions to the team. The tribute added emotional significance to the game, though the Sharks could not capitalize on the occasion.
In terms of individual achievements, Mukhamadullin scored his first NHL goal, adding to his growing profile. The 22-year-old defenseman, acquired from New Jersey in the Timo Meier trade, was playing in just his ninth game and earned his second career point. Looking ahead, the Golden Knights will host the Calgary Flames on Sunday, while the Sharks will face the same opponent at home on Saturday.
