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PHT’s Three Stars: Smith’s goal puts Vegas on brink of Stanley Cup Final

Jets Golden Knights Hockey

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith, back, celebrates his goal with Luca Sbisa during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets in Game 4 of the NHL hockey Western Conference finals Friday, May 18, 2018, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Marc Sanchez)

AP

1st Star: Reilly Smith, Vegas Golden Knights

When you don’t capitalize on opportunities in the offensive zone, the Golden Knights will make you pay. After helping to set up the opening goal of Game 4, Smith picked up his second point of the night by scoring the game winner with 6:58 left in the third period of a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Vegas now has a 3-1 series lead and is a win away from the Stanley Cup Final.

2nd Star: Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights

Another game, another night where Fleury did his thing in playing a huge role in a Vegas victory. His 36 saves were the fourth-most he’s made this postseason. Winnipeg hit double digits in shots in all three periods, with Fleury stopping 12 of 13 he faced in the final 20 minutes of the win.

3rd Star: William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights

“Wild Bill” led Vegas in shots on goal (5) and led all Golden Knights forwards in ice time with 20:43 during Game 4. His biggest contribution, of course, was his opening goal 2:25 into the game on the power play.

[Golden Knights are just one win from Stanley Cup Final]

Highlight of the Night:

Patrik Laine picked up his fifth goal of the playoffs with a rocket from his office:

Factoid of the Night:

Saturday’s schedule: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:15 p.m. ET, NBC, live stream (Series tied 2-2)

MORE:
Conference Finals schedule, TV info
NBC’s Stanley Cup Playoff Hub

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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.