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Mitch Marner helps give Vegas 1-0 Stanley Cup Final lead with clutch block in waning moments vs. Hurricanes

· Yahoo Sports

Mitch Marner helps give Vegas 1-0 Stanley Cup Final lead with clutch block in waning moments vs. Hurricanes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Vegas Golden Knights came away with a thrilling, 5-4 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, and Mitch Marner was a big reason why.

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The first-year Golden Knight had a strong performance in his first career Stanley Cup Final game, producing an assist. However, it was on defense where Marner made perhaps the biggest play of the game, coming up with a blocked shot in the final seconds.

The Hurricanes made a strong push to tie the game late as Jordan Staal won several faceoffs in the Carolina zone, allowing Carolina a few chances to try and tie the game. That is where Marner made his mark in an unexpected way.

Here's a look at how Mitch Marner prevented Game 1 from going to overtime.

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Mitch Marner game-saving block

With the Golden Knights up one late in the third period, Vegas needed to overcome a late Hurricanes push to secure the win. However, Carolina came close to scoring in the final seconds had it not been for Mitch Marner.

Jordan Staal won a clean faceoff and got the puck to Alexander Nikishkin, who sent a one-timer towards the net with seconds remaining. It seemed to be heading towards a goal, but Marner blocked the shot just in time to deflect it away from the net and allow the clock to hit zero.

Had the puck not hit Marner, it would've been up to Carter Hart to make a save on the fast shot. Instead, Marner came away from the night as an unexpected hero.

Marner also collected an assist on the night as he was very effective in his first career Stanley Cup Final game.

MORE: Nikolaj Ehlers scores goal 25 seconds into Game 1 vs. Golden Knights

Mitch Marner playoff stats

  • Points: 22
  • Goals: 7
  • Assists: 15

Marner entered the Stanley Cup Final as the playoff-leader in points, and he only added to that total with an assist on Tuesday night. It is a continuation of his regular season when Marner totaled 80 points, 24 goals and 56 assists in his first year with the club.

Mitch Marner contract details

  • Years: 8
  • Totale Value: $96 million
  • AAV: $12 million

In the offseason, Marner signed an eight-year, $96 million deal with the Golden Knights as he hit free agency. Technically, Marner's deal came on a sign-and-trade with his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, but Marner had the benefit of being an unrestricted free agent when negotiating the contract.

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