The Vegas Golden Knights opened their season with plenty of energy but came up just short in the end. A 6-5 shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena marked a thrilling, chaotic start to the year and a high-profile debut that didn’t end in celebration.
Wednesday night was the first time Mitch Marner hit the ice as a Golden Knight. The team’s major offseason acquisition from Toronto had a standout third period, picking up two assists to help Vegas build a two-goal lead. Things looked under control. But the Kings had other plans.
How Did Mitch Marner Fare in His First Game With the Golden Knights?
Los Angeles tied the game in the final stretch of regulation with a pair of quick goals. Overtime couldn’t separate the two teams, and the Kings edged their opponent in the shootout. Marner took a shot in the deciding round but was stopped by Anton Forsberg. With that, the Kings went home with the win.
KINGS COMPLETE THE COMEBACK 👑
Anton Forsberg makes a HUGE save against Mitch Marner in the shootout to secure the win 👏 pic.twitter.com/wLUpicfqgB
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 9, 2025
They had just played the night before, but didn’t look like it. LA jumped out with two early goals in the opening frame, putting Vegas on the back foot. Then came the response, a strong one.
Pavel Dorofeyev took over in the second period, scoring three straight goals for a natural hat trick. The building erupted. Jack Eichel followed up early in the third, finishing off a slick cross-ice setup from Marner. Just a few minutes later, it was Barbashev cashing in on another feed from No. 93. At 5-3, Vegas looked in control.
But the Kings weren’t done. Trevor Moore scored with under six minutes left. Brandt Clarke tied it soon after, sending the crowd from buzzing to biting nails.
However, neither team could score in OT. The shootout sealed it.
Marner Grabs the Spotlight but Kings Steal the Show
Marner didn’t go unnoticed. Before the puck dropped, he walked the gold carpet, suited up in Vegas-themed black and gold. Fans received special edition Marner pins. He even joined the TNT broadcast panel before the game began. Vegas didn’t just welcome him; they rolled out the full showbiz.
And on the ice? He did what he does best. Slotted on the top line with Eichel and Barbashev, Marner made an immediate impact. His assist on Eichel’s goal was textbook. It was fast, clean, and right on the tape. Moments later, he helped set up Barbashev’s finish. It wasn’t a quiet debut by any stretch.
He led all Vegas forwards in ice time, just under 23 minutes. Marner also played key power play minutes, even though he didn’t factor into the scoresheet there. Still, his presence moved the puck well and created chances.
There were bright spots. Eichel looked sharp and finished with four points. Dorofeyev’s hat trick reminded everyone of the depth Vegas has up front. Unfortunately, they couldn’t close it out.
The Kings, now with more wins against Vegas than any other team in the league, once again played spoiler.
Vegas doesn’t have long to dwell on the loss. They’re off to San Jose next to face the Sharks in the second half of a back-to-back. As for Marner, his new chapter has officially begun, and the flashes of chemistry and playmaking suggest there’s more to come.
