In a commanding performance, the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the San Jose Sharks by a score of 7-2. The Knights, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak and no wins in 10 days, found their stride against a Sharks team that couldn't establish a defensive foothold.
Vegas came out strong, setting the tone early in the game at T-Mobile Arena. Brett Howden scored within the first two minutes, marking his sixth goal of the season. The Golden Knights then proceeded to dominate the first period, scoring five goals. Mitch Marner, Colton Sissons, Tomáš Hertl, and Mark Stone also scored in the first period. A total of 13 Golden Knights players recorded at least one point in the first period, surpassing the franchise record of 11.
Mitch Marner scored two goals, and Reilly Smith had one goal and one assist. Mark Stone also contributed with a goal and an assist. Additional goals came from Brett Howden, Colton Sissons, and Tomas Hertl. Pavel Dorofeyev, Kaeden Korczak, Braeden Bowman, and Ivan Barbashev each contributed with two assists. Goaltender Carter Hart made 21 saves, helping the Golden Knights end their losing streak.
San Jose's Macklin Celebrini scored his 19th goal of the season, and Collin Graf added another. Tyler Toffoli also had two assists for the Sharks. Yaroslav Askarov started in goal for San Jose but was replaced by Alex Nedeljkovic after allowing four goals on 16 shots. Nedeljkovic made seven saves in relief.
The Golden Knights' five-goal first period tied a franchise record. Their strong offensive showing resulted in a season-high scoring output, surpassing their previous high of six goals, which they reached three times in October.
With this win, the Vegas Golden Knights snapped a three-game skid. The San Jose Sharks, on the other hand, faced their third consecutive loss and entered the holiday break two points away from a wild card spot. The Golden Knights now have a 12-game point streak against the Sharks. The Golden Knights will resume action on December 27 against the Colorado Avalanche.
