Marner has 5 points and Golden Knights score 3 times in 3rd period to beat Flames 6-3

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mitch Marner had three goals and two assists and the Golden Knights scored three times in the third period to defeat the Calgary Flames 6-3 on Thursday night.

It was the sixth time in Marner's career that he had at least five points in a game and the first since also having five (one goal, four assists) for Toronto against Boston on Jan. 4, 2025.

Ivan Barbashev had a goal and and two assists, Mark Stone had an assist for his 700th career point and Pavel Dorofeyev added to his club record with his 19th power-play goal this season and 35th overall. Shea Theodore recorded two assists, including the 300th of his career with the team.

Carter Hart, who was activated off injured reserve earlier Thursday, stopped 19 shots in his first start since Jan. 8.

Blake Coleman scored twice for the Flames and Morgan Frost had the other goal. Dustin Wolf made 28 saves.

The Golden Knights are five points ahead of Los Angeles and San Jose for the third and final Pacific Division playoff spot. Vegas is three points behind division leaders Anaheim and Edmonton.

Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud received a video tribute at the first timeout of the opening period. He became emotional, patted his heart and waved to the fans, who roared at the return of one of the more beloved players in franchise history. He was with the Golden Knights since the 2017-18 season and became a regular three years later.

The Golden Knights traded Whitecloud to Calgary on Jan. 18 for Rasmus Andersson.

Calgary took the lead three times before Vegas answered with the equalizer each time, with the game tied at 3 entering the second intermission.

The beginning of the third period was delayed more than 20 minutes because of an issue with a spot on the ice.

Flames: Play at Anaheim on Saturday.

Golden Knights: Play at Edmonton on Saturday in a crucial Pacific Division matchup.

AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud, center, salutes the fans during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) stops a shot behind Calgary Flames left wing Joel Farabee (86) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) skates with the puck against Calgary Flames defenseman Zach Whitecloud (28) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Calgary Flames center John Beecher (18) celebrates after his goal with defenseman Zayne Parekh (19) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Calgary Flames during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart was activated off injured reserve and backstopped Vegas to a 6-3 victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.

Hart, who had been out since injuring his left leg Jan. 8 against Columbus, made 19 saves.

“Obviously, there's a little bit of rust to shake off when you haven't played for a few months,” Hart said. “I think as the game went on, I felt better and better. We did a good job of boxing guys out and blocking some shots. Obviously, they got a few there. Their last two (goals), I got a little deep in the net there. I'll make adjustments and learn from it and go from there.”

The Golden Knights fell behind three times before breaking the game open in the third period. Hart wasn't tested much that period, saving all three shots on goal.

“I thought he handled himself well,” coach John Tortorella said. "He made some key saves at key times. I liked his game.

Tortorella, in his second game since replacing Bruce Cassidy, coached Hart in Philadelphia in from 2022-24.

“Carter and I have a really good relationship,” Tortorella said. "He's becoming a really good pro. I love the kid. We've had a lot of conversations. I think he's handled himself so well through some pretty hard times the past couple of years.

“I think he's a good kid. People have made judgments on him. People are still making judgments on him.”

Vegas signed Hart in October and he made his first appearance Dec. 2 in a 4-3 victory over Chicago. It was his first NHL appearance in nearly two years.

Hart was one of five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players acquitted of sexual assault in July. He was the first of those five agree to an NHL contract. The league ruled those players were eligible to sign deals beginning Oct. 15 and to play starting Dec. 1. Hart signed a two-year, $4 million contract.

“I loved playing for Torts in Philly,” Hart said. “We got along really well, and I think he's going to add a really good spark to our group here. So far, the guys seem to really like him, and he's a good fit here.”

With Hart back in the lineup, the Golden Knights have three goalies. Adin Hill has been operating as the starter, and Akira Schmid also is on the roster.

“I have no plan on how to attack it,” Tortorella said. “I have a plan on who the goalie's going to be the next game.”

AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart warms up before an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Candice Ward)