The Vegas Golden Knights rallied late to steal the opener of the Stanley Cup Final, riding a go-ahead goal from Brett Howden to a 5-4 comeback victory and an early lead in the best-of-seven series. Howden recapped the night on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt after flipping the script on the game's closing stretch.

What happened

Trailing in the third, Vegas turned the game with Howden's strike that put the Golden Knights back in front 4-3. The club closed it out 5-4 to take Game 1. Howden's tally marked his arrival as the postseason's goal-scoring leader, the latest turn in a deep playoff run.

Why it matters

Stealing the opener hands Vegas the series lead and the momentum that comes with a comeback. In a best-of-seven Final, an early edge is hard-won, and the Golden Knights now carry it into the next game. Howden's emergence as the playoffs' top goal scorer only deepens an already dangerous Vegas attack.

By the numbers

Howden's go-ahead goal was his 11th of the postseason, the most of any player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The score put Vegas ahead 4-3 in a game it ultimately won 5-4. The single tally proved decisive in a one-goal Final opener.

What to watch next

Game 2 of the Final is up next, with Vegas looking to build on its series lead. The Golden Knights will try to press their advantage before the matchup shifts venues, with Howden's hot hand a central storyline heading into the next contest.