The Golden Knights beat the Colorado Avalanche, 3-1, in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final on Friday at Ball Arena. The Golden Knights lead the best-of-seven series, 2-0.
HOW IT WENT DOWN
With three minutes remaining in the first frame, Ross Colton netted the game-opening goal to give Colorado a 1-0 lead. After a scoreless second period, Jack Eichel pulled the game even at one nine minutes into the final frame. Pavel Dorofeyev tipped the puck to Eichel as he carried it into the offensive zone and launched the puck far side past Scott Wedgewood. Just over two minutes later, Ivan Barbashev netted a goal from the slot, giving the Golden Knights a 2-1 edge with 8:38 remaining in the game. Dorofeyev picked up the loose puck and backhanded it to Eichel, who dished the puck to Barbashev in between the circles as he sent the puck top-shelf for the score. With 1:03 remaining in the game, Barbashev fired a long-range shot and found the back of the empty net, sealing the 3-1 win for Vegas. Carter Hart stopped 29 of 30 shots to give the Golden Knights a 2-0 series lead.
TOP PERFORMERS
Ivan Barbashev: Barbashev netted two goals, including the game-winner, and registered an assist to skate away with his first three-point night of the 2026 playoffs.
Carter Hart: Hart stopped 29 shots and posted a .967 save percentage for his 10th win this postseason.
Jack Eichel: Eichel got the Golden Knights on the board and picked up an assist, increasing his point total to 18 (2G, 16A) in the playoffs.
Pavel Dorofeyev: Dorofeyev registered two assists in the victory.
SERIES AT A GLANCE
All times PST
Game 1: Vegas Golden Knights 4, Colorado Avalanche 2 | HIGHLIGHTS
Game 2: Vegas Golden Knights 3, Colorado Avalanche 1 | HIGHLIGHTS
Game 3: Sunday, May 24, 5 p.m. | T-Mobile Arena | BUY TICKETS
Game 4: Tuesday, May 26, 6 p.m. | T-Mobile Arena | BUY TICKETS
Game 5 (if necessary): Thursday, May 28, 5 p.m. | Ball Arena
Game 6 (if necessary): Saturday, May 30, 5 p.m. | T-Mobile Arena | BUY TICKETS
Game 7 (if necessary): Monday, June 1, 5 p.m. | Ball Arena
VGK STATS OF THE KNIGHT
Jack Eichel recorded his 60th and 61st playoff points in the victory, becoming the third American-born player to reach the mark in 54 games played.
Eichel netted the Golden Knights’ 20th game-tying goal during the playoffs, the third most in the NHL since the 2017-18 season.
The first line accounted for all three goals, as Eichel (1G, 1A), Dorofeyev (2A), and Barbashev (2G, 1A) all registered multi-point nights.
Eichel picked up an assist on the go-ahead goal for the 24th time with Vegas in the postseason, the third most in Golden Knights history.
The Golden Knights completed their fourth third-period comeback this postseason, the most in a single playoff run in the NHL and in franchise history.
Barbashev scored his second go-ahead goal this postseason in the final ten minutes of a game, which is the second most in franchise history.
The Golden Knights took a 2-0 lead in a series for the sixth time in franchise history.
WHEN VGK WINS, YOU WIN!
Fans can receive six free boneless or traditional wings at any Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant location throughout the greater Vegas metro area with a $10+ qualifying pre-tax purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages, available for two days after any 2025-2026 VGK Win.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Golden Knights return home to battle the Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Tune into the Pregame Show on The Spot-Vegas 34 or KnightTime+ at 4:30 p.m. PT, then catch all the action on ESPN. Listen live on FOX Sports Las Vegas 94.7/1340 and Deportes Vegas 1460.
