Howden scores twice and Golden Knights beat Wild 4-2 in Game 1

LAS VEGAS, NV — Brett Howden is proving this season is no fluke.

After breaking into double digits for the first time in his career with 23 goals during the regular season, Howden kept the momentum going Sunday night, netting the game-winner and adding an empty-net goal to lift the Vegas Golden Knights to a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said he urged Howden to keep it simple and stick to the game that earned him success in the regular season. It paid off—before Sunday, Howden had only six career playoff goals.

Tomas Hertl also had a standout night with a goal and an assist, while Pavel Dorofeyev scored for the third straight game, including the end of the regular season. Adin Hill stopped 18 shots in net for Vegas.

Minnesota’s Matt Boldy did his best to keep the Wild in it, scoring both of their goals, each assisted by star winger Kirill Kaprizov. Filip Gustavsson made 23 saves for Minnesota.

The teams were even after the first period. Hertl struck first, stealing the puck from Brock Faber and firing it home from just inside the left circle. Minnesota answered just over two minutes later with a slick cross-ice feed from Kaprizov to Boldy, who buried it on the rush.

Dorofeyev’s power-play goal in the second period gave Vegas the edge. It started with Hertl winning a faceoff, setting up Shea Theodore to control the puck and find Dorofeyev for a rocket from the right circle.

Howden made it 3-1 early in the third, but Boldy brought the Wild within one with a wraparound goal midway through the period. Howden then sealed the win with an empty-net goal—Vegas’ second power-play tally of the night—with just under a second remaining.

In a notable debut, 19-year-old defenseman Zeev Buium suited up for his first NHL game, pairing with Zach Bogosian on Minnesota’s third line. Just 10 days earlier, Buium had been playing for Denver in the NCAA’s Frozen Four. He logged 13:37 of ice time and registered one shot on goal.

Linesman Bryan Pancich left the game early in the second period after a collision with Howden and was replaced by backup official Frederick L’Ecuyer.

Game 2 is set for Tuesday night in Las Vegas.