The Golden Knights fought back from two goals down and briefly held the lead Thursday night, but a late New York push and a short-handed overtime finish sent Vegas to a 4–3 loss at T-Mobile Arena. The skid is now four games for a team searching for answers in mid-November.
The night started with a moment for the home crowd: Brayden McNabb skated in his 600th game with Vegas, one of the original “Misfits” still on the roster. He leads the franchise in hits and blocks, a reminder of how long he has anchored the blue line.
But the celebration didn’t carry into the first period. Vegas outshot New York 10–6 yet went to the intermission down 2–0 after giveaways and a penalty turned into Islanders goals. Reilly Smith said the team can’t keep digging holes.
“We were the better team and it seems like this is happening to us a lot lately,” Smith said. “We’re putting ourselves in that position pretty often right now. We have to figure that out.”
Shea Theodore scored late in the second, Tomas Hertl tied it early in the third, and Smith jammed in a rebound to give Vegas a 3–2 lead. New York’s challenge for goalie interference failed, but the Knights couldn’t extend the lead on the power play.
Mathew Barzal tied it with 2:37 left, and in overtime Vegas hit a post and a crossbar before Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored short-handed off a turnover.
“We had a chance to extend the lead and didn’t generate much,” coach Bruce Cassidy said.
Rookie forward Braeden Bowman impressed in his debut, earning praise for his poise and puck work.
“He created some opportunities and has a bright future,” Smith said.
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