Pavel Dorofeyev leads Vegas Golden Knights past Boston Bruins

The Vegas Golden Knights broke through and defeated the Boston Bruins on Thursday, 5-1. There were a couple of reasons why Vegas got back to their winning ways.

One can say the Bruins couldn't cash in on an open net in the second period. One can also say it was a solid special teams effort. You can even credit Adin Hill, who stopped 18 of 19 shots. However, one man led the charge to beat the Original Six team: Pavel Dorofeyev.

The Russian forward had a hat trick on Thursday, including a power play goal. He got the party started with a set-up from Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. He left the game briefly, only to return and get his second goal of the game, nose plugged and all.

Of course, it wasn't all ponies and rainbows throughout the game. Mark Stone was called for a tripping penalty on John Beecher in the first period. The only problem? He didn't actually trip him. In fact, he didn't touch him at all.

Still, that didn't matter as a returning William Karlsson and crew killed off the penalty. Overall, it was a strong special teams showing for the returning home team. In turn, they gained a point on the Edmonton Oilers, who lost in overtime to the NHL-best Winnipeg Jets.

This was the rebound game the Vegas Golden Knights needed

While the Vegas Golden Knights didn't score a goal in the first period, they did set the tone early. They led the shot total after a period by a count of 11-7. They also dominated in controlled entries (21-13) and chances (8-5). It's the type of game needed to build confidence heading down the stretch.

That's what Vegas got as Pavel Dorofeyev led the way. Now with a team-high 30 goals this season, the 24-year-old scored his fifth goal in five games. He also has eight points this month (five goals and three assists). That's enough to make him the hot hand heading into the postseason.

It's also enough to get the team's mind off an underachieving road trip. The team outshot the Boston Bruins, 32-19. They also dominated Jeremy Swayman's stick side, peppering him with easy entries and a vicious attack.

Pavel Dorofeyev manhandled the Boston Bruins, but he wasn't alone

Entering Thursday's game, Brett Howden needed a confidence-booster. He only had two goals and seven shots in the month of March.

Considering the team was fatigued and offensively flaccid from the road trip, his contributions were desperately needed.

After faking out the defender, Howden fired a wrister past Swayman on—you guessed it—his stick side. Overall, it was a better even-strength game played by the home team. That's especially true after the atrocity after the last two games on the road trip.

Add in an Ivan Barbashev goal and William Karlsson assist (welcome back, by the way!) and this was a much-needed gimme for the Golden Knights. The offensive explosion should help build confidence for the home stretch, keeping everyone fresh and loose.

As for Dorofeyev? Well, you don't have to worry about who's replacing Jonathan Marchessault's production any longer. It seems the 24-year-old is taking that task into his own hands.