LAS VEGAS (AP) — Shea Theodore scored at 5:38 of double overtime, avoiding what could have been a potentially devastating loss for the Golden Knights after they blew a four-goal lead, and Vegas beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 on Saturday night to take a 2-1 series lead. Theodore’s goal, which went off goalie Brandon Bussi skate, came on a night that teammate Mitch Marner had the fastest hat trick in Cup Final history. The teams take two days off before meeting in Game 4 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
Vegas-Carolina Stanley Cup Final by the numbers through 3 games
This is the fifth Stanley Cup Final over the past 45 years to have each of the first three games decided by a goal. The Vegas Golden Knights lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 after blowing a four-goal lead and beating the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 in double overtime. Vegas’ Brayden McNabb skated 49 shifts two days after taking a puck square to the face. Teammate Mitch Marner became just the ninth player to score three goals in a period in the final. And Carolina fell short after scoring the fastest three goals in Cup final history.