Early Burst Fades After Costly Mistakes in Golden Knights Overtime Loss

The Golden Knights overtime loss on Saturday came after a costly turnover, as Vegas fell 4–3 to the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Vegas extended its point streak to six games, but a league-high seven overtime losses continue to slow their early-season momentum.

Vegas produced one of its sharpest opening periods of the season, scoring three times in the first. Shea Theodore opened the scoring with a snap shot through traffic, rookie Braeden Bowman followed minutes later, and Tomas Hertl added a power play deflection to restore the lead after Anaheim responded twice.

But the mistakes that have crept into recent games resurfaced. Defensive zone giveaways and a missed pinch led to Anaheim goals, including the second period equalizer from Troy Terry.

“That third goal is on us,” Hertl said. “We gave them freebies tonight. We had a great start, but we let them back too easy.”

Bowman Stays Hot as Vegas Pushes Through Ducks Pressure

Bowman’s first period goal gives him four this season and continues his strong impact during his call up.

Akira Schmid stopped 29 shots and remained reliable during his recent stretch of starts.

“The more he plays, the better he feels,” head coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He has been solid every time he has been in the net for us.”

Golden Knights OT Loss Issues Continue in Anaheim

Vegas began overtime with possession but could not sustain it. A turnover at the offensive blue line flipped momentum and Cutter Gauthier ended the game soon after.

“We do not manage the puck well enough in overtime,” Cassidy said. “It has happened four or five times. We have had the puck and then it is in our net a few seconds later. That needs to change.”

Hertl echoed the frustration.

“All we need to do is hold the puck more,” he said. “Do not force things. Make them tired. We have to be smarter. We are losing points in overtime.”

High Stakes Divisional Battle

Anaheim and Vegas entered the night in first and second place in the Pacific Division, and the intensity reflected that. Vegas controlled stretches, won two-thirds of its faceoffs, and generated strong five-on-five pressure. But the Ducks’ speed on the rush and opportunistic finishing kept turning the game into a race Vegas could not close out.

“That is a three or four point swing right there,” Zach Whitecloud said. “These are the matchups you measure yourself against. They are at the top of the division and you want to bring your best.”

Golden Knights OT Loss Issues Continue in Anaheim

Vegas remains firmly in the playoff picture, but the stack of overtime losses keeps shrinking what could otherwise be a comfortable early-season cushion.

“We keep putting good games together and we will be fine,” Cassidy said. “But the overtime stuff, that is on us.”

Vegas continues its road trip on Monday with a divisional matchup against the Utah Mammoth, who enter the game 11-8-3.

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