Jake Evans scores in overtime as Canadiens beat Golden Knights 3-2
Jake Evans scored 3:58 into overtime to lift Montreal past Vegas 3-2, as the Canadiens snapped a short skid. Cole Caufield hit the 30-goal mark and Phillip Danault also scored, while Pavel Dorofeyev had both Golden Knights goals in the loss.
Jake Evans scored at 3:58 of overtime Tuesday night as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2, delivering a timely win and halting Montreal’s two-game losing streak. The Canadiens leaned on quick-strike offense and a strong performance in goal to earn the extra point in a tight contest.
Cole Caufield provided another milestone moment for Montreal, scoring his 30th goal of the season and continuing what has been one of the hottest stretches of his career. Phillip Danault also scored for the Canadiens, giving Montreal the balanced scoring it needed against a Vegas team that has been difficult to play against all season.
The Golden Knights’ offense came entirely from Pavel Dorofeyev, who scored both Vegas goals. Despite Dorofeyev’s finishing, Vegas could not generate the late push needed to close out the game in regulation, then fell in overtime when Evans converted the winner.
Montreal’s goaltending helped set the platform for the victory. Jakub Dobes made 32 saves in his first career start against Vegas, with the 24-year-old continuing a strong run of form. The Canadiens also benefited from puck movement and support from the blue line, including an assist that extended Mike Matheson’s point streak to five games, a season high for him.
On the Vegas side, Akira Schmid stopped 23 shots but could not deny Evans in overtime. The loss extended a rough stretch for the Golden Knights against Montreal, and it also added to a broader slide, with Vegas dropping another close game in a schedule packed with tough opponents.
Caufield’s scoring streak remains a storyline for Montreal. After recently posting a hat trick in a loss, he has continued to find the net consistently, producing goals in six straight games. That kind of production is crucial for Montreal as it tries to stack wins and stabilize its position in the standings.
The game also included a milestone for Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin, who appeared in his 800th NHL game. Moments like that are usually celebrated with a win, but Montreal spoiled the occasion with the overtime finish.
Next, Vegas is scheduled to host the Dallas Stars, while Montreal will look to build on the win and keep its momentum, especially as its top scorers continue to drive offense and its goaltending rotation delivers steady performances.