The Anaheim Ducks secured a crucial 3-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on May 6, 2026, tying their second-round playoff series at one game apiece. This win, marked by a significant controversy in the preceding game, sends the series back to Anaheim. The decisive goals for Anaheim came from Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson, and an empty-netter by Jansen Harkins. Vegas's lone goal was scored by Mark Stone on a power play.
The narrative of Game 1, and by extension, the series' early trajectory, hinges on a disputed no-call for icing. With under five minutes remaining and the score tied, Vegas's Ivan Barbashev netted what proved to be the game-winning goal shortly after an icing infraction was not signaled. Anaheim players and coaching staff vehemently protested the decision, believing the play should have been whistled dead. This non-call allowed the Golden Knights to maintain possession and ultimately score, a pivotal moment that deeply unsettled the Ducks' bench.
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Game 1 Recap and Controversies
The preceding game, Game 1, saw the Golden Knights edge out the Ducks 3-1. The match, played in Las Vegas, was largely defined by the controversial go-ahead goal scored by Ivan Barbashev with just 4:58 left in the third period. The incident occurred when Anaheim defenseman Jackson LaCombe appeared to anticipate an icing call, causing him and other Ducks players to relax their efforts. This hesitation allowed Vegas to regain possession, leading to Barbashev's goal. Ducks coach Joel Quenneville and his staff expressed strong dissent over the officiating.
Vegas’s Carter Hart was instrumental in Game 1, turning aside 33 of 34 shots, a performance lauded as his best of the postseason. Despite being outshot 34-22 by Anaheim, the Golden Knights capitalized on their opportunities. Brett Howden had scored earlier for Vegas, and Mitch Marner added an empty-net goal in the final seconds. For Anaheim, Mikael Granlund scored, and Lukas Dostal made 19 saves.
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Game 2's Shift in Momentum
In Game 2, the Ducks, seemingly fueled by the Game 1 outcome, found a different rhythm. Beckett Sennecke opened the scoring for Anaheim, assisted by Jeffrey Viel and Ryan Poehling. Leo Carlsson then extended the lead, with assists credited to Troy Terry and Chris Kreider. Jansen Harkins sealed the victory with an unassisted empty-net goal. Vegas's Mark Stone managed to pull one back for the Golden Knights on the power play, with Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore assisting.
Series Context
The Anaheim Ducks, seeded third in the Pacific Division, are facing the top-seeded Vegas Golden Knights. The series is now tied 1-1 as it heads to Anaheim for Game 3. Game 1 was played on May 5, 2026, with Game 2 taking place two days later, on May 6, 2026. The previous series saw the Ducks emerge victorious against the Edmonton Oilers in six games, while the Golden Knights advanced from a hard-fought first round.
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