Pavel Dorofeyev’s last-minute goal not only secured a hat trick but also forced overtime in a crucial playoff game for the Golden Knights against the Utah Mammoth on April 30, 2026, in Las Vegas. The game ended regulation tied at 4-4, setting the stage for an intense overtime battle.
The stakes were high as this was Game 5 of a best-of-seven series, with both teams locked at two wins apiece. The Mammoth had initially taken the lead with Dylan Guenther scoring to tie the game in the third period. However, it was Dorofeyev’s late-game heroics that kept the Golden Knights alive.
Key statistics from Game 5:
- The Golden Knights scored four goals during the match.
- This was their first power play goal after a drought of thirteen attempts.
- Both teams combined for a total of sixty-eight hits throughout the game.
- The Golden Knights were noted as the NHL’s best third-period team during the regular season with a plus-47 goal differential.
Dorofeyev’s clutch performance included scoring with just 52.7 seconds left in regulation, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure. As the clock ticked down, he found the net from the right circle, igniting cheers from fans.
Neither team managed to score in the first overtime period, leading to a second sudden-death session. Both squads struggled on power plays, combining for just one successful attempt out of eight opportunities. This adds an extra layer of tension as they prepare for potential Game 6.
The next match promises to be just as thrilling. Fans are eager to see if Dorofeyev can replicate his performance and help his team secure another win in this tightly contested series.
