SEATTLE (AP) — Jared McCann scored with 3.8 seconds left in overtime to give the Seattle Kraken a dramatic 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night.
McCann’s rebound goal, his first of the season and the 400th point of his NHL career, sent the Climate Pledge Arena crowd into a frenzy as Seattle improved to 2-0-0 for the first time in franchise history. After Matty Beniers’ slap shot from the slot was stopped by Vegas goalie Adin Hill, McCann pounced on the loose puck at the crease and slid it past Hill to seal the victory.
“I just tried to go to the net and be in the right spot,” McCann said. “Matty made a great play and fortunately it came right to me. You dream about moments like that.”
Beniers opened the scoring for the Kraken in the second period on a highlight-reel goal. Jordan Eberle set him up with a no-look, between-the-legs pass, and Beniers finished with a smooth backhand that beat Hill inside the right post. Vegas tied the game midway through the third when Pavel Dorofeyev buried a power-play goal off a feed from captain Mark Stone, setting up a tense finish that carried into overtime.
Seattle goalie Joey Daccord was sharp throughout the night, making 26 saves, including four in overtime. Hill finished with 20 stops for Vegas, which fell to 1-0-2 after all three of its games this season have been decided in extra time.
“It’s early, but you love to see that kind of composure and belief from our group,” Seattle coach Lane Lambert said. “We stayed patient, trusted our structure, and got rewarded in the end.”
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy credited Dorofeyev for keeping his team in the game but lamented the missed opportunities. “We had our looks,” Cassidy said. “Joey made some big saves, and then in overtime, one bounce goes their way. That’s hockey.”
The win was Seattle’s second straight against the defending Stanley Cup champions dating back to last season. The Kraken have now earned points in six of their last seven meetings with the Golden Knights.
Seattle will head out on the road to face the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, while Vegas continues its early-season trip with a game at Calgary the same night.