Remember when the Vegas Golden Knights found themselves down 3-0 against the Buffalo Sabres? It was the 2025-26 theme kicking into full gear as the Golden Knights fell short in their comeback opportunity. Suddenly, fans had that grim feeling on Wednesday again. However, the circumstances were different.
Reilly Smith might've scored for the Golden Knights to kick off the scoring (!). However, the Red Wings responded with three straight goals to go up 3-1. Those goals came from Emmitt Finnie, Simon Edvinsson, and Alex DeBrincat. Here come those intrusive thoughts again, ranging from Adin Hill to the team being completely lazy...
Indeed, something wasn't right in the Motor City. The Golden Knights started playing downhill, attacking relentlessly. That led to goals by Ivan Barbashev and Mitch Marner, sending the game to overtime. Of course, it almost didn't happen because of a goal being waved off by a gloved puck.
Still, that provided the perfect opportunity for Tomas Hertl to pounce on—what else?—the power play.
that's our overtime hero 🥹 pic.twitter.com/cYuAjJPhfJ
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 5, 2026
Putting Hertl near the slot equals magical things, as proven by this incredible overtime goal. Now, the Golden Knights head home to face the Minnesota Wild on Friday with some juice. Instead of losing four straight games, they have a little momentum to carry with them. Sometimes, it takes one small step.
Mitch Marner and the Olympians have a game to remember for the Golden Knights
Mitch Marner has been accustomed to beating up on the Detroit Red Wings during his career. The Golden Knights winger has 19 goals and 21 assists, stemming from his Toronto Maple Leafs days. He scored a goal and two assists on Wednesday, including an assist on the game-winner.
People were concerned about the remaining Olympians being somewhat rusty upon returning to the ice. The Canadians and the Americans haven't exactly set the world on fire upon returning... until tonight. Aside from Marner's big night, Shea Theodore and Noah Hanifin each had an assist.
Heck, Rasmus Andersson had two assists himself, adding to the festivities. All Vegas needs now is for Jack Eichel to explode. If the American gold medal winner can start burying goals and getting points, things will look up for the Golden Knights.
The Vegas Golden Knights finally get their first win against a playoff-position team in a long time
It's been a while since the Golden Knights defeated a team currently in a playoff position. You have to go back to November 20 against the Utah Mammoth (4-1 victory) to find such an instance. That all changed on Wednesday, when Vegas snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
More importantly, that victory was much-needed for a team deprived of its confidence. Vegas looked headed for a downward spiral against the Red Wings. That wasn't until Detroit stalled because of Adin Hill's turnaround play, opening the door for a Golden Knights comeback.
While that victory sounds nice, the Golden Knights still have work to do. Games against the Minnesota Wild, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Dallas Stars (twice) loom this month. That's just naming a few, but the premise is still the same.
Beat some playoff teams and you're on your way to making the postseason... and possibly winning the Pacific Division. Who knows? Considering they can beat up on their divisional foes, that could open the door for a long run.