Mitch Marner scores hat-trick as Vegas Golden Knights thrash Anaheim Ducks
Mitch Marner scored his first career postseason hat-trick to lead the Vegas Golden Knights to a dominant 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in game three of their playoff series.
The dynamic forward also registered an assist in a four-point masterclass that gave his side a 2-1 series advantage on Friday night.
It marked only the fourth multi-goal playoff game in 79 career postseason appearances for the former Toronto Maple Leafs star.
Shedding the playoff curse
During nine seasons in Canada, the winger became a frequent target for fan and media frustration following repeated postseason failures.
Critics frequently highlighted his declining offensive output in crunch time, noting his points-per-game average dropped significantly in the playoffs compared to the regular season.
However, the $96m off-season acquisition is now silencing those doubts in spectacular fashion.
He currently leads the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs in scoring, boasting 13 points in just nine games.
“I think he’s a hell of a hockey player,” said Vegas coach John Tortorella.
“People give him [criticism] all the time about playoffs and this and that. I don’t think it bothers him a lick. He just plays.”
A complete performance
The 29-year-old demonstrated his impressive two-way game early in the first period to help establish an early 2-0 advantage.
Intercepting the puck in his own zone during an Anaheim power play, the lightning-fast attacker set up Brayden McNabb for a crucial shorthanded goal.
He then took over the goalscoring duties himself.
A late first-period power-play strike was followed by two composed second-period finishes against replacement goaltender Ville Husso to complete the natural hat-trick.
“I feel like I just want to go out there and play my game,” said the hat-trick hero.
“I know probably people think the results weren’t coming in the past. Sometimes that’s what happens. I just try to go out there and do the thing I do.”