Pavel Dorofeyev’s Overtime Heroics Put Golden Knights One Win from Conference Final
The Vegas Golden Knights have moved within a single victory of the Western Conference Final after a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. Pavel Dorofeyev secured the victory, netting his second goal of the game at 4:10 of the overtime period to give Vegas a 3-2 lead in the second-round series.
This victory puts the Golden Knights on the verge of reaching the conference final for the first time since their Stanley Cup championship in 2023. For the Anaheim Ducks, who are making their first playoff appearance in eight years, the loss means they must now fight to force a Game 7.
The Deciding Moment and Key Performances
The game reached its climax in overtime when Dorofeyev took a pass from Chris Kreider, shifted into the slot, and snapped a shot past Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal. The winning goal was set up by Jack Eichel, who finished the night with two assists. NBC Sports reported that the goal effectively sealed the win for Vegas.
Vegas also saw a significant offensive breakthrough from Tomas Hertl. After a 29-game goal drought stretching back into the regular season, Hertl scored twice in the last two games, including a rebound goal at 4:48 of the third period. Hertl also provided the primary assist on Dorofeyev’s first-period power-play goal. In net, Carter Hart was instrumental, stopping 34 shots to keep the Golden Knights in contention.
Anaheim’s Resilience and Late-Game Surge
The Ducks refused to go quietly, showcasing the tenacity that has defined their first playoff run in nearly a decade. Beckett Sennecke continued his hot streak, scoring a power-play goal off a rebound to extend his goal streak to four games.
The most dramatic moment for Anaheim came late in regulation. With only 3:05 remaining, defenseman Olen Zellweger scored his first career playoff goal from the left circle, tying the game at 2-2 and forcing the contest into overtime. Lukas Dostal provided a strong performance in goal for the Ducks, recording 29 saves, while Mason McTavish and Cutter Gauthier contributed two assists each.
Physicality and Discipline
The game was marked by a high-intensity physical battle, which peaked midway through the first period. Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb delivered a hard check into the boards on Ducks center Ryan Poehling, who had to be helped off the ice. The officials assessed McNabb a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct, resulting in his ejection from the game. This left the Golden Knights without a first-pair blue liner for the remainder of the match, a void the Ducks attempted to exploit via their power play.
Key Game Takeaways
- Series Status: Vegas leads the second-round series 3-2.
- Standout Performer: Pavel Dorofeyev scored two goals, including the overtime winner.
- Breakout Play: Olen Zellweger scored his first career playoff goal to force overtime.
- Stat Highlight: Tomas Hertl ended a 29-game goal drought with a critical third-period score.
- Disciplinary Action: Brayden McNabb was ejected following a five-minute major for interference.
Looking Ahead: Game 6 and Beyond
The series now shifts to Anaheim for Game 6 on Thursday night. The Golden Knights have the opportunity to clinch the series on the road and advance to the Western Conference Final. If the Ducks can secure a victory on Thursday, they will force a decisive Game 7, which would return to Las Vegas on Saturday.
