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. The tension was palpable in Las Vegas as both teams battled fiercely.
The game was tied at 4 when Dorofeyev found the back of the net with just 52.7 seconds left in regulation. Earlier, Dylan Guenther had tied the score for the Mammoth, making it a nail-biting finish to regulation. This was Game 5 of a best-of-seven series, currently tied at 2-2.
Fans watched anxiously as the Golden Knights ended a scoring drought of 13 power plays with Dorofeyev’s first goal — a shot from the right circle that leveled the score at 1-1 with just 40.2 seconds left in the first period. The energy in T-Mobile Arena surged as they realized their team still had a fighting chance.
Key statistics from Game 5:
- Total hits combined by both teams: 68
- The Golden Knights’ third-period goal differential: +47, best in the NHL regular season
- Power play goals scored: 1
- Drought before Dorofeyev’s goal: 13 power plays
Neither team managed to score during the first overtime, leading to a second sudden-death session. Both squads struggled on their power plays throughout the match, combining for just one successful conversion out of eight opportunities.
The stakes are high as this series continues to unfold. With each game filled with intensity and drama, fans are eager to see how this pivotal moment will shape the outcome of the playoffs.