Reilly Smith game-winner: Golden Knights RW comes up clutch with last-second goal to beat Oilers in Game 3
Context:
Reilly Smith delivered a dramatic game-winning goal for the Golden Knights against the Oilers in Game 3, scoring with just 0.4 seconds left on the clock. The game was tightly contested, with both teams tied at four goals each, as Smith managed to break through Edmonton's defense to secure the victory. Initially, there was uncertainty over whether Smith's shot had gone in or hit the post, but a review confirmed the puck crossed the line. This crucial goal came after the Golden Knights had rallied from an early deficit, with Edmonton's Corey Perry scoring twice in the first period. Smith's performance not only secured the win but also set up the series for a potential tie in the upcoming Game 4 in Edmonton.
Dive Deeper:
Reilly Smith scored a decisive goal in the last moments of Game 3, giving the Golden Knights a crucial win over the Oilers with a final score that broke the 4-4 tie.
The game featured a thrilling comeback by the Golden Knights, who overcame an early lead by the Oilers, including two goals by Corey Perry, to keep the series competitive.
Smith's goal was initially met with uncertainty as referees reviewed whether the puck had entered the net or merely hit the post, but it was eventually confirmed as a legitimate goal.
The win was pivotal for the Golden Knights, allowing them to avoid falling into a 3-0 series deficit and instead putting them in a position to equalize the series in the next game.
The Golden Knights' resilience was on display as they scored three consecutive goals after falling behind, demonstrating their determination to stay in the series.
The dramatic finish was highlighted by Smith's ability to navigate through defenders and seize the moment with a precise shot, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure.
Smith's game-winning goal was his second of the night and third in the playoffs, underscoring his crucial role in the team's efforts to advance further in the series.
The Golden Knights desperately needed a Game 3 win on Saturday, and Reilly Smith came through in a massive way.
With Vegas and Edmonton knotted at four goals apiece in the closing seconds of regulation, it was Smith who became the hero, finding the puck and getting a last-second shot off to win the game for the Golden Knights.
It wasn't a clear game-winner from the jump, though. Referees delayed the celebrations to see if Smith's shot went in or if it just hit the pipe.
Here's a look at the wild ending to Game 3 of the Golden Knights vs. Oilers series on Saturday.
Reilly Smith game-winning goal vs. Oilers
Corey Perry had two first-period goals for Edmonton in Saturday's game, which could have given the Oilers a 3-0 series advantage with a victory. But Vegas came crawling back, scoring three straight goals over a stretch that went into the second period.By the final 20 minutes, a Connor McDavid score had tied the game at three, setting up the dramatic finish. The two teams were mere seconds from heading to an extra period until Smith came flying down the ice to win it himself.
Despite having a few Oilers defenders in front of him, Smith used the limited time he had to get a nice shot on goal. It initially appeared that he came up just short, with announcer Brendan Burke yelling "He hit the post!"
Instead, review confirmed that Smith's shot had gone into the net, officially giving Vegas the lead with 0.4 seconds remaining.
WILD ENDING IN EDMONTON 😱
VEGAS WINS GAME 3 AT THE BUZZER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/tSmT5AYzCG— ESPN (@espn) May 11, 2025 It was Smith's second score of the game and third of the playoffs. Here's an angle of the shot barely breaking the plane of the net:
SMITH SCORES THE BUZZER BEATER‼️ pic.twitter.com/7QIVaZXIy5
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) May 11, 2025 Smith's miraculous shot now gives Vegas a chance to tie the series at two when the teams meet in Edmonton on Monday night for Game 4.