Golden Knights Eye Series Control Against Avalanche in Crucial Game 3

After winning the first two games on the road, the Golden Knights returned to Las Vegas with a commanding sense of confidence in their NHL playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche. However, history serves as a reminder that such a lead can be precarious. Two seasons ago, the Golden Knights, fresh off two road victories, fell victim to the Dallas Stars, losing Games 3 and 4 at home before being eliminated in seven games. This memory is not lost on the current roster, particularly for those who experienced that disappointment firsthand.

“It’s good to have that experience,” Vegas center William Karlsson reflected. “Obviously, that was a huge letdown after coming home with two wins on the road, so definitely learn from that.” The Golden Knights will face the Avalanche in Game 3 on Sunday night, a pivotal moment that could either propel them towards their third Stanley Cup Final appearance in nine years or allow Colorado a chance to turn the series competitive.

Nicolas Roy, an Avalanche forward and former Golden Knight, echoed the sentiment of unpredictability in playoff series. “If you have a great effort next game and you win it, then obviously shift the momentum,” Roy said. “We believe in this group. You look at the video, think you can do better and we’ll be ready for the next game.”

This year’s Golden Knights squad differs from the one that faced the Stars, with eight of the 19 players in Friday’s 3-1 victory not being part of the 2023-24 roster. Yet, the newcomers have embraced the mindset of their seasoned teammates, showcasing confidence and composure that has characterized their playoff performance thus far. In Game 2, the Avalanche entered the third period with a 1-0 lead, a position they had never lost in their previous 45 instances this season and playoffs. However, Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev, both veterans from the 2023 Cup-winning team, stunned Colorado by combining for three goals in a remarkable turnaround.

Defenseman Noah Hanifin, who joined the Golden Knights in March 2024, also understands the stakes. “It’s big, obviously, getting two on the road, but it’s far from over and we know that,” Hanifin said. “It’s a long series. They’re a great team over there, and we got to stay even-keeled. We got to come home and really take advantage of this home ice and dig in. Game 3’s going to be huge.”

Should the Golden Knights secure a 3-0 series lead, the Avalanche would face an uphill battle, as only four teams in NHL history have recovered from such a deficit to win a series. The most recent example was the Los Angeles Kings in 2014, who eliminated the San Jose Sharks after falling behind 3-0.

The Golden Knights, however, hold a significant advantage with their 2-0 lead. Historically, teams that start a conference final or league semifinal series with two wins on the road have an impressive 20-1 record, with the 1945 Detroit Red Wings being the only exception. This is a trend the Golden Knights are keen to uphold.

“We’re going to have to be better each and every game,” Golden Knights coach John Tortorella noted, acknowledging the challenge ahead. “They’re going to be better.”

Meanwhile, Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, who has been sidelined since a lower-body injury in Game 3 of the second-round series against Anaheim, participated in an optional skate Saturday, showing few limitations. Although the team has found success in his absence, Stone’s return would undoubtedly provide a significant boost. He recorded 28 goals and 73 points during the regular season, his highest output in seven years, and has contributed three goals and four assists in nine playoff games this year.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.