Reilly Smith Scored Twice in Vegas' Third Period and the Kraken's Season Just Got a Lot Harder

The Vegas Golden Knights just took the Pacific Division title, and they did it by absolutely running away from the Kraken in the third period. Reilly Smith scored twice in that final frame, added an assist, and Vegas walked out of T-Mobile Arena with a 4-1 win on Wednesday night. This wasn't some nail-biter. This was a clinic on how to finish a game when it matters.

Smith's Night Was the Breaking Point

Smith finished with two goals and an assist, marking his 31st multi-goal game of his career and his second of the season. The guy was unstoppable when Vegas needed it most. With 7:59 left on the clock, he roofed a crossing pass from Rasmus Andersson on a 2-on-1 rush, and then sealed it with 3:24 remaining by tapping in a rebound inside the right post. Jack Eichel had two assists to help set the table, and Shea Theodore and Mitch Marner also lit the lamp for the Golden Knights.

Carter Hart was solid in net too, finishing with 22 saves. Vegas improved to 7-0-1 since John Tortorella took over as head coach, and they've now extended their point streak to a season-high 10 games (7-0-3). This is the Knights' third Pacific Division title in four years and their sixth in nine seasons. They're heading into the first round of the playoffs against the Utah Mammoth.

The Kraken Are Running Out of Time

Seattle came out hot with Shane Wright scoring just 2:24 into the second period, his first goal in 17 games. A sharp-angled shot from Jani Nyman from the left goal line created the rebound, and Wright's quick wrist shot from in front beat Hart on the glove side. For a moment, it looked like maybe the Kraken could steal this one.

But Vegas answered late in the second, with Theodore tying it up after a faceoff win by Nic Dowd. Then the third period happened. Marner made it 2-1 early, redirecting Brayden McNabb's point shot, and from there it was all Vegas. Nikke Kokko made 22 saves for Seattle, but there's only so much a goalie can do when the defense breaks down like that.

Seattle sits at 34-36-11 for 79 points, and they're 2-7-1 over their last 10 games. They've got one more game left against Colorado on Thursday, but the damage is done. The Kraken needed this one, and they didn't get it.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.