Golden Knights Edge Canucks 2-1 for Fourth Straight Win

Vegas extends winning streak under new coach John Tortorella

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:37am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a hockey game between two teams, with players and the puck represented as abstract shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and competition between the Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks in their latest NHL matchup.Los Angeles Today

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 on Tuesday night, with Cole Smith's goal in the third period proving to be the game-winner. The Canucks took an early lead in the second period, but the Golden Knights tied it up shortly after and then scored the decisive goal in the third. Vegas extended its winning streak to four games under new head coach John Tortorella, who took over behind the bench on March 31.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights' victory over the struggling Canucks continues their strong play under new coach Tortorella, who has helped turn the team's season around after a slow start. The win also keeps Vegas in the playoff hunt in the competitive Western Conference.

The details

Max Sasson opened the scoring for the Canucks (22-47-8) with a wrist shot over the glove of Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart at the 12:50 mark of the second period. Brayden McNabb replied for Vegas (36-26-16) less than three minutes later, sending a shot through traffic to tie the score at 1. Cole Smith scored the go-ahead goal for the Golden Knights 12:13 into the third period. Vancouver had a chance to force overtime when Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson was called for interference with less than two minutes left, but they were unable to score with the extra attacker.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Sasson scored for the Canucks at the 12:50 mark of the second period.
  • McNabb tied the game for the Golden Knights less than three minutes after Sasson's goal.
  • Smith scored the game-winning goal for Vegas 12:13 into the third period.
  • Andersson was called for interference on the Canucks with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

The players

Cole Smith

The Vegas Golden Knights forward scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Max Sasson

The Vancouver Canucks forward opened the scoring with a goal in the second period.

Brayden McNabb

The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman scored the tying goal in the second period.

Carter Hart

The Vegas Golden Knights goaltender made 10 saves on 11 shots in the win.

Nikita Tolopilo

The Vancouver Canucks goaltender made 26 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on this momentum and keep pushing forward as a team.”

— Cole Smith, Vegas Golden Knights Forward

“It's tough to come up short, but we'll regroup and look to bounce back on the road trip.”

— Max Sasson, Vancouver Canucks Forward

What’s next

The Golden Knights will visit the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, April 9, 2026, while the Canucks will start a three-game road trip at the Los Angeles Kings on the same date.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' victory under new coach John Tortorella continues their recent surge and keeps them in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the struggling Canucks will look to rebound on their upcoming road trip as they try to close out a disappointing season.