Golden Knights edge Ducks in overtime to take series lead
Pavel Dorofeyev’s late goal secures a 3-2 victory, placing Vegas one win away from the Western Conference final for the first time since their 2023 championship.
The Vegas Golden Knights have advanced to the brink of the Western Conference final, securing a 3-2 overtime victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. Pavel Dorofeyev scored the decisive goal at 4:10 of the extra period, lifting the series to 3-2 and placing the home team within striking distance of the conference championship for the first time since their Stanley Cup triumph in 2023.
The match was defined by late momentum shifts and critical individual performances. Tomas Hertl ended a 29-game goal drought dating back to the regular season, recording a second-period goal and the primary assist on Dorofeyev’s first-period power-play score. Jack Eichel also contributed significantly with two assists, including the primary helper on the overtime winner. Beckett Sennecke extended his personal scoring streak to four games with a power-play goal, further stretching the Ducks’ defensive resources.
Anaconda mounted a resilient comeback in the third period to force the extra session. Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger scored his first career playoff goal from the left circle with 3:05 remaining in regulation, tying the game at 2-2. This came after Ducks centre Ryan Poehling was helped off the ice following a heavy check into the boards by Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb. McNabb was ejected from the contest after receiving a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct, a penalty that temporarily left Vegas shorthanded and allowed the Ducks to capitalise on a power-play goal.
The Golden Knights’ goaltender and defensive structure held firm during the critical moments, despite Ducks netminder Lukas Dostal making 29 saves. Dorofeyev’s opening goal came after he stripped the puck from Chris Kreider, shifted into the slot, and snapped a shot past Dostal. Hertl’s subsequent rebound goal in the third period appeared to seal the win before Zellweger’s tying effort necessitated overtime.
The series now shifts to Anaheim for Game 6 on Thursday night. If the Ducks can force a decider, Game 7 is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on Saturday. The Ducks, making their first playoff appearance in eight years, will look to extend their season and prevent Vegas from advancing to the conference final.
