Mitch Marner sets NHL record hat trick as Golden Knights win Game 3 in 2OT

After splitting the first two games in Raleigh, the Stanley Cup Final moved to Las Vegas for Game 3, with the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes tied 1-1.

And as you’d expect from the Golden Knights, this one kicked off with some theatrics, as well as a little help from the city’s last hope quarterback who also joined in the festivities.

This is true. Who better to take on the siren mantle than Raiders draft pick and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza?

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There was a big surprise as the game began: Golden Knight defenseman Brayden McNabb, who got slapped in the face in Game 2 on Thursday, was in the Vegas lineup, even though his cage was full.

It goes without saying, but hockey players are just built differently.

The first period was physical but ultimately scoreless; Carolina had more offensive opportunities and led Vegas in shots, 7-2.

Vegas captain Mark Stone found the back of the net just 36 seconds into the second period; However, after the fight against Carolina, an offside decision was made.

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Moments later, Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel found the back of the net, but Carolina challenged that goal as well after Vegas’ Ivan Barbashev made contact with the head of Canes goaltender Frederik Andersen.

It was another cut and dry review that kept the Golden Knights’ scoreboard off the board.

The first penalty of the night was a self-inflicted penalty after the Hurricanes called on too many men, and it didn’t take long for Tomas Hertl to make them pay.

Then, just a few minutes later — 16 seconds to be exact — Mitch Marner scored when Carolina defenseman Sean Walker sent a shot into his own net.

But own goals are no fun; Marner wanted to buy one the old-fashioned way, and so he did.

What is it, do you want more?

Mitch Marner, who had the playoffs of his life, had a better chance than you.

That’s right, Marner scored a hat-trick in just six minutes and 10 seconds. That’s an NHL record.

Still, I’m willing to bet that the first goal the Rocket scored with his lightning-quick hat wasn’t an own goal, but hey, they’re just as good.

What a performance. Maybe he was doing this so that the next time the team puts him on a rally towel it really looks like him.

After the second intermission, Andersen withdrew in favor of Brand Bussi, who was making his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut.

Carolina was in disarray in the third, and after going on the power play, Sebastian Aho intercepted Marner, who made his way to the goal on a short-handed breakaway.

Marner was awarded a penalty shot, but Bussi didn’t give him much to shoot at and Marner missed his backhand attempt.

Although the outlook looked bleak after a dominant second for Vegas, in the third Carolina made it a game by scoring the quickest three-goal haul in Stanley Cup Final history. (Photo: Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

Carolina’s Jordan Martinook put the Hurricanes just behind midway through the third period to make it 4-1.

A few minutes later, Taylor Hall scored another goal to cut Vegas’ lead to 4-2.

And while they’re scoring, how about throwing a Jordan Staal tally in there?

Carolina scored those three goals in 39 seconds, the fastest three goals ever scored by a single team in Stanley Cup Final history, once again turning Vegas’ undoubted lead into a game.

Carolina eliminated a delay of game penalty that was crucial to staying in the game.

Vegas’ Shea Theodore then sent a puck through the air into the stands to delay the game, giving Carolina a late power play.

Then – as if it couldn’t get any crazier – Andrei Svechnikov tied it on the power play and pulled the goalie.

Thus, extra time was called for the second match in a row.

In the extra frame, both teams had their share of chances and opportunities to pin this frame and get to the craps table, but there was no winner in the first overtime period.

We finally found a winner in the second overtime, and as crazy as this game was, it was only fitting that the winner was incredible.

By the way, it’s the same Shea Theodore who slid the puck into the stands to set up the tying goal, and he did so after 39 minutes of ice time.

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Vegas players Brett Howden (21), Shea Theodore (center) and Mitch Marner (93) celebrate the game-winning goal in double overtime. (Images by Lucas Peltier-Imagn)

What. A. Game.

I think from now on, Game 4 in Las Vegas on Tuesday will officially be appointment viewing.