There’s never a bad time for a hockey player to record a natural hat trick. But some times are certainly better than others. Vegas Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault recorded one at the best time possible on Sunday night.
One period into Sunday night’s Game 6, it looked like the second-round series between the Knights and Edmonton Oilers was headed for a Game 7. Leading 3-2, Vegas struck first with an early goal. But Edmonton responded with two early goals of its own and took a 2-1 lead after the first period. Then, the second period happened.
More specifically, Jonathan Marchessault’s second period happened.
Marchessault tied the game 4:26 into the second period. Then, just over three minutes later, he put the Knights ahead with another goal.
Playoff. Jonny. Marchy. 📣 pic.twitter.com/ct1skXXHLD
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 15, 2023
Marchy going hard in the paint 😤😤 pic.twitter.com/IAUs91OkuW
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 15, 2023
But Marchessault was not done.
With the score still 3-2 and 1:24 left in the second period, he found the back of the net again, completing the natural hat trick at the perfect time for the Knights.
Jonathan Marchessault completes the natural hat trick!
His goals come in a span of 14:10 in the second period, and the @GoldenKnights lead 4-2 heading into the second intermission. pic.twitter.com/yJOZZDYAjA
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) May 15, 2023
Hockey fans praised Marchessault’s all-world performance in the second period.
Natural hat trick for Marchessault. This guy. He’s just a gamer. Three goal period. https://t.co/6fI1GFpmHq
— Ryan The Hockey Guy (@RyanHockeyGuy) May 15, 2023
NATURAL. HAT. TRICK.
3 goals in the second period for Jonathan Marchessault.
Vegas leads 4-2.
Wowza. #VGKvsEDM | #StanleyCup
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) May 15, 2023
Jonathan Marchessault has always been, and remains to this day, Very Cool
— Justin Emerson (@J15Emerson) May 15, 2023
Big fan of that Jonathan Marchessault guy!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/0H2YIPwd0x
— Mike Gould (@miketgould) May 15, 2023
Marchessault’s second period ended up being the difference in the game. Edmonton spent most of the third period in its offensive zone, but couldn’t manage to narrow the gap. In the final minute, Vegas’ William Karlsson scored an empty netter, putting a cap on Vegas’ 5-2 series-clinching victory.
The Knights will face the winner of Monday night’s Game 7 between the Seattle Kraken and Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals.
