The Vegas Golden Knights opened the Western Conference Finals with a 4-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche. The game took place at Ball Arena, located in Denver, Colorado. The Knights were able to go up 3-0. The Avs had a third period push, but where not able to pull off a second straight three goal comeback, as they fell short losing 4-2. Dylan Coghlan, Pavel Dorofeyev, Brett Howden, and Nic Dowd all had goals for the Golden Knights. Shea Theodore was also very impactful, playing over 27 minutes and blocking 7 shots. Carter Hart was dominant in net, making 36 saves on 38 shots. Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog had the Avalanche's goals. Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves on 27 shots.
The first period was scoreless, with both goalies having to make 10 saves each. Coghlan opened the scoring with his first career playoff goal, nearly 12 and a half minutes into the second period. Coghlan beat Wedgewood five hole from between the faceoff dots, off a nice feed by Brandon Saad. Colton Sissons was credited for the secondary assists. Dorofeyev extended the Knights lead on the power play a few minutes later, on a beautiful setup by Mitch Marner. It was Dorofeyev’s 10th goal of the postseason, which is good enough to lead the NHL in goals. Tomas Hertl was credited for the second assist. Just over a minute and a half into the final period, Brett Howden scored his 9th of the playoffs, giving Vegas a 3-0 lead, capitalizing on a rebound right after killing a penalty. Ben Hutton earned the sole assist on the goal. Just under six minutes into the third, Nichushkin put the Avalanche on the board with a slick between the legs goal. Ross Colton assisted on the goal. With just over a couple minutes remaining in the game, Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog brought them within one goal with a six on four-man advantage. Nathan MacKinnon and Devon Toews assisted. In the last minute of the game Dowd killed the comeback with an empty net goal. Rasmus Andersson and Jack Eichel assisted on the empty netter. Carter Hart was selected as the first star of the game, as he absolutely stood on his head all night. After tonight Hart has a 9-4 record with a .918 save percentage this postseason. Carter Hart has played all of Vegas’ playoff games.
This was the Golden Knight’s first West Conference Final game, since 2023, where they won the Stanley Cup. This was also the Avalanche's first time back in the Western Conference Finals since their cup run in 2022.
Colorado was without their star defenseman, Cale Makar. The two-time Norris trophy winner is day to day according to the Avalanche's Head Coach, Jared Bednar. Makar has 4 goals in 9 playoff games this season.
Vegas was without their captain, Mark Stone, due to a lower body injury. Golden Knights Head Coach John Tortorella did not have an update on Stone’s injury. The two-time Selke finalist has 3 goals and 4 assists in 9 playoff games this season. Game 2 will take place on Friday, May 22nd at 8:00 p.m. ET.