Ducks Fall Short in Overtime Against Golden Knights in Game 5
Ducks Facing Elimination After Overtime Loss to Golden Knights
LAS VEGAS — The Anaheim Ducks are on the brink of elimination after falling 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday. Pavel Dorofeyev secured the victory for Vegas with a goal just 4:10 into overtime, marking the longest game of the series.
Dorofeyev, who previously scored during a power play in the first period, deftly redirected a rebound from a Jack Eichel shot past the left post to clinch the win. With this latest victory, the Golden Knights now lead the best-of-seven series three games to two, setting the stage for Game 6 in Anaheim on Thursday, where the Ducks could see their season come to an end.
The match started with Ducks’ Beckett Sennecke opening the scoring midway through the first period. However, the excitement was quickly dampened when Ducks forward Ryan Poehling sustained an injury after a heavy hit by defenseman Brayden McNabb. McNabb received a five-minute interference penalty and a ten-minute game misconduct for the play, which allowed Sennecke to score his second power-play goal in as many games just a few minutes later.
Despite losing Poehling for the night, the Ducks maintained momentum, with goalie Lukas Dostal showcasing a strong performance. He made a crucial save against Vegas winger Mitch Marner during a breakaway. However, shortly thereafter, a slashing penalty against Pavel Mintyukov presented Vegas with a power play opportunity. Dorofeyev capitalized, scoring from the slot to tie the game.
Eichel recorded an assist on that tying goal, marking his league-leading 13th assist of the postseason. Vegas also faced challenges when Dorofeyev was temporarily sidelined after taking a slap shot to the body, but he returned to contribute to the decisive play.
The third period featured an exchange of goals, with Tomas Hertl scoring for Vegas and Olen Zellweger answering for the Ducks with a goal that sent the game into overtime with just over three minutes left on the clock.
As the series progresses, the stakes rise for Anaheim, who must win the upcoming match to extend their playoff hopes.
