Marner sets Cup final record with fastest hat trick

Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights has rewritten the record books for the Stanley Cup Final, scoring the fastest hat trick by a single player in the championship’s history. During Game 3 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Marner recorded three goals in just six minutes and 10 seconds during the second period, securing a 4-0 lead over the Carolina Hurricanes.

The previous benchmark for the fastest Cup final hat trick stood at six minutes and 21 seconds, set by Maurice “Rocket” Richard of the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the 1957 final against the Boston Bruins. Marner’s performance not only surpassed that mark but also made him the second player in Stanley Cup Final history to record a natural hat trick within a single period, following Detroit Red Wings star Ted Lindsay in 1955.

Marner’s first goal was credited to him after Carolina defenseman Sean Walker attempted to deflect a backhand shot out of harm’s way, only to send it past Vegas goalie Frederik Andersen. Marner added his second goal 3 minutes and 50 seconds later, deking Andersen after receiving a pass from defenseman Brayden McNabb. McNabb, who returned to the lineup wearing a full face cage after being hospitalised in Game 2 with a facial injury from an 87 mph shot, set up the play following a Carolina turnover.

Completing the hat trick with a slap shot from the right circle at 16:52 of the second period, Marner also assisted on Tomas Hertl’s power play goal. His four points in the period tied an NHL record originally set by Frank Foysten of the 1919 Seattle Metropolitans. Marner entered the contest leading all playoff scorers with 24 points in 18 games and is currently the betting favourite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.