The Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after center Chandler Stephenson (20) scores the game-wining goal against the Dallas Stars during the overtime period in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Golden Knights' OT win over Stars makes unique NHL history

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/21/23

The Vegas Golden Knights topped the Dallas Stars, 3-2, in overtime Sunday, taking a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Final while helping this year's playoff field make unique Stanley Cup playoff history.

Sunday's extra session marked the first time in an NHL postseason that each of the first four games of the conference finals needed overtime to decide a winner.

You've heard this one before: we're headed to overtime!

Today marks the first time in #StanleyCup Playoffs history that each of the first four games of a Conference Finals/Semifinals required extra time. #NHLStats: https://t.co/cNtbTSokP9 pic.twitter.com/S4qdFecaXE
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 21, 2023

Before Sunday's win, Vegas earned a 4-3 overtime victory over the Stars in Game 1. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers took the first two games of the Eastern Conference Final over the Carolina Hurricanes in OT. The Panthers won a thrilling four-overtime contest, 3-2, in Game 1, before topping the Hurricanes 2-1 in Game 2 Saturday.

The Golden Knights came from behind to beat the Stars in Game 2. Trailing Dallas 2-1 late in the third period, Vegas' Jonathan Marchessault scored the equalizer with 2:22 left, sending the game to overtime.

Only 1:12 into the extra session, Chandler Stephenson tallied the game-winner.

⚔️ CHANDLER STEPHENSON ⚔️

The @GoldenKnights win it in overtime to take a 2-0 series lead! #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/W0EgbxOZeE
— NHL (@NHL) May 21, 2023

After pulling off two dramatic victories, Vegas will look to take a commanding 3-0 lead as the series shifts to Dallas. The Stars host the Golden Knights for Game 3 Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.

This year's playoffs have already seen a remarkable 21 overtime games, including the sixth-longest OT contest in NHL history. With the remainder of the conference finals and the Stanley Cup Final still to go, we probably haven't seen the last of the sudden-death fun.

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