Overview
- The Golden Knights erased a three-goal first-period deficit to win Game 3 by 5-3, scoring five unanswered goals and moving ahead 3-0 in the Western Conference Final.
- Mark Stone returned from a lower-body injury and scored a power-play goal while assisting Tomas Hertl’s go-ahead goal, providing a spark for Vegas’ second-period turnaround.
- Colorado’s Cale Makar returned to the lineup and logged the most ice time for the Avalanche but Nathan MacKinnon was hurt blocking a shot and was noticeably limited afterward, raising doubts about his availability.
- Goaltending and depth were decisive as Vegas’ Carter Hart made key saves while Colorado’s Scott Wedgewood allowed multiple goals, and Colorado’s long streak of winning when leading by three goals ended.
- Game 4 is scheduled for tonight in Las Vegas, where Colorado faces elimination and must fix defensive lapses, injury issues, and low morale to avoid a sweep.