Pavel Dorofeyev’s redemption pushes Mammoth to edge of extinction

Then, a potential game-winning goal in overtime was turned away by an offsides challenge. In that moment, the gauntlet was thrown towards Dorofeyev to make an impact as the series went into the deep waters. Wednesday night in Game Five was as emphatic an answer as Tortorella hoped to receive.

“Big credit to [Dorofeyev]. I've been, you know, I pushed him along here a little bit. As far as his play, he's handled himself really well and found a way to be a star tonight in a big game,” said Tortorella.

Securing the first playoff hat trick for the Golden Knights since Mark Stone accomplished the feat in the Cup-clinching Game Five against the Florida Panthers in 2023, Dorofeyev proved to be the catalyst for Vegas securing a pivotal 5-4 victory over the Utah Mammoth in double overtime. Right from initial puck drop, the physicality in the series continued immediately. Massive hits from both sides set the tone early, with plenty of extracurricular activity after whistles and an ugly holding call on Logan Cooley looking more akin to a NFL horse collar tackle.

Ultimately, the Mammoth would break the ice after a shot went wide and bounced off the boards to the stick of defenseman John Marino. His shot beat Carter Hart’s readjustment to the short side, and the Golden Knights faced some early adversity. However, the power play that was lambasted by John Tortorella before the morning skate would get some redemption in the final minute.