On Wednesday, the Vegas Golden Knights faced the Los Angeles Kings in a game that many expected to be challenging, given Vegas rested all five of their gold-medal-winning Olympians. With three full-time AHL players included in the lineup and injury returns expected to show some rust, the Golden Knights appeared positioned simply to endure the match. Meanwhile, the Kings were prepared to debut their newest star winger, Artemi Panarin, adding additional pressure. Despite all this, the Golden Knights emerged victorious in a surprising upset, turning expectations on their head.
Tanner Laczynski Emerges as Unexpected Key Contributor
Tanner Laczynski, typically a Henderson Silver Knights regular, delivered the performance of his career. Prior to this game, Laczynski had just two assists in nine NHL matches, a total that this game nearly doubled by itself. Elevated to the second line alongside Reilly Smith and Pavel Dorofeyev, Laczynski contributed three assists, marking his first three-point game in the NHL.
His involvement began with a creative play on a two-on-one where his missed shot found Dorofeyev for a goal. Later, Laczynski assisted on a well-executed play leading to Smith’s goal, who split two defensemen to score. The final assist came during a persistent rebound sequence finished by Dorofeyev. This breakout game firmly established Laczynski as more than just a call-up, positioning him as a vital depth player at center for the Golden Knights moving forward.
Unexpected Heroes Rise to Secure Victory
Beyond Laczynski, several other Golden Knights players who had quiet seasons stepped up dramatically. Brandon Saad, Reilly Smith, and Colton Sissons all found the scoresheet within a tight four-minute span in the third period, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead. Smith’s goal stood out for its skill, as he deftly maneuvered past two Kings defenders on his own.
Defensemen Braeden Bowman and Brayden McNabb also had notable nights, each recording multiple assists. Even goaltender Adin Hill earned an assist on Sissons’ goal despite facing pressure in net. Pavel Dorofeyev, meanwhile, continued his remarkable run by scoring twice and setting a new franchise record with 15 power-play goals this season. These collective efforts showed resilience and depth from a lineup that, on paper, appeared compromised.
Kings’ Efforts and Panarin’s Debut Fall Short Amidst Loss
Despite Artemi Panarin marking his debut with a multi-point game, the Kings struggled to contain the determined Golden Knights. The loss at their home arena dents Los Angeles’s playoff hopes and highlights the unpredictability of this season’s NHL games. The Kings’ challenges against a makeshift Vegas roster underline the importance of depth and cohesion beyond individual star performances.
Significance of the Win and Upcoming Challenges
This unexpected win for the Golden Knights demonstrates their ability to adapt and compete even when key players are resting or returning from injury. The strong showing by AHL call-ups like Tanner Laczynski and consistent contributors like Pavel Dorofeyev strengthens Vegas’s playoff positioning and confidence. With the team set to face the Washington Capitals in Washington, D.C., on Friday, this victory provides valuable momentum amid a demanding stretch of the schedule.
Pavel Dorofeyev – Vegas Golden Knights (27) pic.twitter.com/pHdziFnwgp
— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) February 26, 2026
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