The Colorado Avalanche suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. The Golden Knights now hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series. The Avalanche, who won the Presidents’ Trophy, must win four of the next five games to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.
Scott Wedgewood, the Avalanche goalie, struggled to explain how a one-goal lead turned into a deficit within a span of two minutes and seven seconds in the third period.
Avalanche’s Unfamiliar Third-Period Collapse
The Avalanche were leading after two periods, but could not maintain their advantage. They had a record of 45-0-0 when leading after two periods in the 2025-26 regular season and playoffs combined. The Avalanche had only lost back-to-back games in regulation three times across the 82-game regular season.
The Avalanche are now facing a comeback challenge, against what the source calls the best comeback team in hockey.
Golden Knights’ Comeback Victory
The Golden Knights secured their 26th comeback win this season. Ivan Barbashev scored a screened point shot past Wedgewood’s blocker at 11:22 of the third period, giving Vegas a 2-1 lead. Barbashev later added an empty-net goal at 18:57.
Jack Eichel scored at 9:15 of the third period. Sam Malinski hesitated to play a puck, allowing Vegas to start their transition game. Pavel Dorofeyev then passed to Eichel, who toe-dragged the puck and snapped a shot past Wedgewood.
“It’s a hell of a shot,” Wedgewood said of Eichel’s goal. “Eight inches off the ice, post and in. It’s one you want to get.”
Avalanche Face Uphill Battle
“It changes quick,” Wedgewood said. “You bank on a seven-game series to get one next. That’s all you can bank on and prepare for that. That’s obviously the playoffs, it’s not an easy script. Nothing is set in stone or predicted or prepared.”
The Avalanche must now regroup and focus on winning the next game. The series shifts to Vegas as the Avalanche look to claw their way back into contention.