Karlsson’s hat trick, Theodores OT goal lifts Knights to win

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — William Karlsson got his third career hat trick, Shea Theodore scored in overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights extended their winning streak to a season-high six games with a 6-5 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night.

Theodore’s winner 3:50 into OT came after the Golden Knights squandered a two-goal lead late in the third period. Mark Stone picked up his fourth assist on Theodore’s goal.

Vegas’ 5-3 lead appeared safe until Adam Henrique forced overtime with goals 1:42 apart. Both came when the Ducks brought on the extra attacker.

Henrique brought the Ducks within a goal with 2:57 remaining when he knocked in a rebound after Nick Ritchie was stopped by Vegas’ Malcolm Subban, then sent it to overtime with 1:15 remaining when the Ducks crashed the net.

Ritchie scored twice, including at tying goal 21 seconds into the third period, before Karlsson put Vegas ahead 4-3 6:28 into the third. He completed his hat trick at 11:05 with a backhand past goalie John Gibson’s glove after getting a pass from Reilly Smith in front of the net.

Alec Martinez — who was acquired from Los Angeles on Tuesday — had a goal and an assist for Vegas, and Max Pacioretty added two assists.

Patrick Brown also scored and Subban made 25 saves for the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights.

Ritchie and Henrique each also had two assists. Devin Shore also scored for the Ducks, and Gibson stopped 22 shots.

Brown opened the scoring when knocked in a rebound at 12:49 of the first period after Ryan Reaves circled the net and dumped it into the crease. Gibson stopped Gage Quinney’s attempt with his right blocker before Brown put it in for his first goal of the season and second of his career. Brown was called up on Sunday after Nicolas Roy was injured during Saturday’s win over Florida.

The Ducks evened it with 1.3 seconds remaining in the first when Shore was in the high slot and redirected Brendan Guhle’s slap shot. Half of Shore’s four goals this season have come against Vegas.

Ritchie gave the Ducks the lead midway through the second when he took advantage of a turnover near the Knights’ net and knocked in a wrist shot after Nick Holden was unable to clear it. Martinez tied it at 2 five minutes later with a one-timer during an odd-man rush for his second goal since being traded by Los Angeles to the Golden Knights on Tuesday.

Karlsson briefly restored Vegas’ lead to 3-2 19:03 into the second period.

NOTES: All of Karlsson’s hat tricks have come with Vegas. The other two occurred during the 2017-18 season. … Anaheim C Derek Grant, who could be dealt before Monday’s trade deadline, was a healthy scratch.

UP NEXT

Golden Knights: Begin a four-game homestand against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

Ducks: Host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.