The Vegas Golden Knights are moving on. Behind a dominant first-period surge and a multi-goal performance from Pavel Dorofeyev, Vegas secured a 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Thursday night. The win clinches the series 4-2 and sets up a high-stakes clash with the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 6 Recap: Dominance from the Opening Whistle
Vegas wasted no time setting the tone in Anaheim. Mitch Marner opened the scoring just moments into the game with a nifty move to give the Golden Knights a quick 1-0 advantage. Despite a Vegas penalty later in the frame, the momentum stayed with the visitors; Brett Howden tallied a shorthanded goal—matching an NHL playoff record with his third of the postseason—to double the lead. Shea Theodore capped off a perfect opening period with a power-play goal, sending Vegas into the intermission with a 3-0 cushion.
The Ducks managed to capitalize on a power play during a physical second period, but the Golden Knights’ defense held firm to maintain a 3-1 lead. In the final frame, Pavel Dorofeyev slammed the door shut, netting his 8th and 9th goals of the postseason to finalize the 5-1 scoreline and seal the series.
Roster Updates: Reinforcements Arriving
The Golden Knights are expected to get a significant boost before the next round begins. Defensive stalwart Brayden McNabb is eligible to return for the start of the Western Conference Finals following his one-game suspension. Additionally, captain Mark Stone could be returning to the lineup later, providing veteran leadership and scoring depth for the upcoming series.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Cup Runs Through Denver
The Western Conference Finals will kick off in Colorado. Vegas will look to maintain their patient, high-pressure style of play against an Avalanche team that finished the regular season at the top of the standings.
Western Conference Finals: Game 1
- Matchup: Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche
- Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM MT
- Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO