David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images
Brett Howden didn’t want to see Game 1 of the Western Conference Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars reach four overtimes.
After Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final saw Matthew Tkachuk score in the fourth OT to give the Florida Panthers a 1-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, Howden scored just 1:35 into overtime in Game 1 of Friday’s Western Conference Final to lead the Golden Knights to a 4-3 win over the Stars.
B/R Open Ice @BR_OpenIce
THE KNIGHTS TAKE GAME 1 IN OT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/11vCpZtQAE
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
How unlikely was Brett Howden becoming an OT hero:
🏒1st overtime goal of his career (regular season or playoffs)
🏒No game-winning goals in 65 games played this season including the playoffs
🏒Had not scored in the first 2 minutes of any period since December 2019 pic.twitter.com/42KqH73MRg
The tally marked Howden’s third goal of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and first since he scored twice in Game 4 of Vegas’ first-round series against the Winnipeg Jets. In addition to Howden, the Golden Knights received goals from William Karlsson, who scored twice, and Teddy Blueger.
The Stars saw Jason Robertson score his first goal since Game 5 of the team’s first-round series against the Minnesota Wild, and Jamie Benn scored at the 18:01 mark of the third period to force overtime.
Roope Hintz also tallied his 10th goal of the postseason and now leads all players in playoff points.
Still, it was Howden who caught the attention of NHL fans on Twitter for his overtime heroics:
Adam Reid @AdamReid_
Brett Howden said NO! to 4 OT
He nets his third goal of the playoffs just 1:35 into overtime.
And this one won’t be called back like last night 😅
Vegas leads series 1-0 pic.twitter.com/wkz9GicSsw
Jarah Wright @jarahwright
I must apologize to the people at Chili’s for scaring them with my cheers after that goal from Howden. I might be from East Texas but my love of hockey is definitely #VegasBorn
Connor Young @connorbondyoung
Howden the hero! 7 more baby @GoldenKnights
Kasey Hudson @TheSportsKase
Howden respects bedtime. Vegas takes game 1 with a quick 4-3 overtime victory.
Anthony Pucik @AnthonyPucik
Bah gawd that’s Brett Howden’s music! pic.twitter.com/uO2UOaGR5I
Mike Todd… @MikeTodd614
Howden about that? #StanleyCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/h74LSO0Xec
Sammie Dee 🐧🏒🌸 @SammieScotia
Thank you VGK for making it quick. lol Howden with a lovely play behind the net. Big Alberta boy.#VGK take a 1-0 series lead over the Dallas #Stars. Both teams played great hockey.#NHLPlayoffs
Stan Logan Thompson @TheRealICGames1
I LOVE BRETT HOWDEN pic.twitter.com/7WM33CQRnj
Jeff Chapman @JeffKChapman
Howden with a really smart play there. You have a sharp angle and a scrambling goalie, throw it in there and make Jake find the puck quick.
The Golden Knights will face an even bigger challenge in Game 2 against the Stars, which need to play a lot better than they did on Friday night if they hope to reach the Stanley Cup Finals.
Game 2 between the Golden Knights and Stars is set for Sunday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena.
