Why did Golden Knights win Game 3 in 2OT?

Vegas survives Hurricanes comeback, wins Game 3 in double OT

The Vegas Golden Knights took a 5-4 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in double overtime in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, moving ahead 2-1 in the series. The finish mattered immediately: Vegas’ late winner came after a dramatic reversal from Carolina, which had been down early and then surged back.

A key storyline was Vegas’ scoring burst and momentum swing. Mitch Marner recorded a historic fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history during the second period, helping Vegas build a commanding lead. Later, though, Carolina erased a significant deficit and pushed the game all the way to overtime. The Hurricanes’ ability to score at a rapid pace in the third period—described as a record-setting stretch in the coverage—forced extra hockey and kept the pressure on Vegas.

Despite the collapse risk, the Golden Knights responded in the later stages. The game ultimately ended in double overtime when Shea Theodore scored the decisive goal. The win also carried a “historic” flavor beyond the final buzzer: Marner’s natural hat trick and Theodore’s double-OT finish became central moments of the match narrative.

The series implication is clear. By winning Game 3 in such a chaotic, high-leverage way, Vegas not only defended its lead after being challenged, but also took control of home-ice trajectory as the Final shifts with the series at 2-1.