The Vegas Golden Knights ran the Boston Bruins out of T-Mobile Arena last night, and it was headlined by Russian forward Pavel Dorofeyev.
Dorofeyev got the scoring started for the Golden Knights, recording his 28th goal of the season and his 12th on the power play. As time was set to expire in the second period, Dorofeyev added another, extending the lead to 2-0.
Brett Howden made it 3-0 before Dorofeyev scored his third of the night, recording his first career hat trick and reaching the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.
Pavel Dorofeyev's third of the game is his 30th of the season! 👏
— NHL (@NHL) March 21, 2025
Hat Trick Challenge presented by @AstraZenecaUSpic.twitter.com/eWdfFDDsqX
The 24-year-old has played parts of four seasons with the Golden Knights, recording just two games in the 2021-22 season and 18 in the 2022-23 season. He showed flashes of offensive ability but never received consistent ice time. In his rookie campaign last year, he scored 13 goals and 24 points in 47 games, still unable to maintain a nightly roster spot.
Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, Dorofeyev has taken full advantage of offseason departures and has formed a formidable duo with Tomas Hertl.
The pair of forwards are big and strong around the front of the net, both possessing heavy shots capable of beating goaltenders. Dorofeyev has also become an improved scorer due to the power play opportunities. His size and shot allow him to be effective in the bumper or on the half-wall. Playing with star playmakers like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone helps showcase his skill set.
"He's put the work, he put in a lot of work in this summer, and he's progressively gotten better through our organization," said HC Bruce Cassidy about Dorofeyev. "He's earned it. He's done a lot of the right things... he's doing things that will lend itself to success in any environment. That's what I like about his game."
The third-round pick (79th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft not only leads the Golden Knights in goals but is tied in power play goals and ranks fifth in points.
He's among the NHL's most improved players and is poised to be a key contributor in what Vegas hope will be a long playoff run.
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