Vegas forward records fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history

Vegas took a 2-1 series lead after defeating Carolina 5-4 in double overtime of Game 3 at T-Mobile Arena. Before the game, every seat held a rally towel printed with the forward's face. He completed a natural hat trick in the second period that stands as the quickest three-goal sequence by one player in Stanley Cup Final history.

Game sequence The first goal came when Carolina defenseman Sean Walker deflected a backhand shot past goalie Frederik Andersen, giving Vegas a 2-0 lead. The forward was credited because he was the last Vegas player to touch the puck. His second goal arrived at the 3:50 mark after a turnover created by defenseman Brayden McNabb.

The forward deked Andersen to extend the lead to 3-0. He finished the hat trick at 16:52 of the second period on a slap shot from the right circle. The forward also assisted on Tomas Hertl's power-play goal earlier in the period.

Record context The previous mark of 6:21 had stood since Maurice Richard scored three times for Montreal in Game 1 of the 1957 finals. The forward's four points in one period tied an NHL record set by Frank Foysten in 1919. He became only the second player to record a natural hat trick in a single period of a Cup final, joining Ted Lindsay who did so for Detroit in 1955.

Late developments Carolina replaced Andersen with Brandon Bussi to start the third period. The forward was awarded a penalty shot after Sebastian Aho slashed him on a shorthanded breakaway, but Bussi made the save. Vegas held a 4-0 lead after two periods before Carolina scored four unanswered goals to tie the game.

Vegas scored the winner in the second overtime period. >"He's probably one of the best players in the league. He does everything," said coach John Tortorella. >"Well, I think a lot of guys made great plays to set me up," the forward said after the game.