Anaheim Ducks level second-round NHL series with 4-3 victory over Vegas Golden Knights

The Anaheim Ducks have evened their second-round NHL playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights at two games apiece following a 4-3 victory on Sunday night. The result stands as a direct response to a 6-2 defeat in Game 3, with the Ducks delivering a mature two-way performance in their first playoff run since 2018.

Key contributions came from Alex Killorn and rookie Beckett Sennecke, who each recorded a goal and an assist. Sennecke, a 20-year-old Calder Trophy finalist, scored in his third consecutive game, joining Sidney Crosby as the only players under 21 to record a three-game postseason goal streak in the 21st century. Ian Moore also netted his first career playoff goal, while Mikael Granlund added another score to support the upstart squad.

Goaltender Lukas Dostal was instrumental in stabilising the net, making 18 saves in a strong bounce-back effort after being pulled in the previous match. His performance allowed the Ducks to capitalise on two power-play opportunities, ending a 0-for-11 skid for the unit. This success finally denting a Vegas penalty kill that had allowed just one power-play goal in its first nine postseason games.

The Golden Knights, whose three-game road winning streak ended with this loss, played without captain Mark Stone. The absence was due to an undisclosed injury sustained in Game 3, though the specific nature of the ailment remains unconfirmed. Carter Hart stopped 19 shots despite some shaky moments, while Olen Zellweger made his playoff debut as part of a lineup shake-up for Anaheim.

Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Las Vegas, with Game 6 set to return to Anaheim on Thursday. The outcome of the next contest will determine whether the Ducks can advance or if the Golden Knights will close out the series on home ice.