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Golden Knights Down Avalanche 4-2 in Finals Opener

5/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Vegas Golden Knights beat the Colorado Avalanche 4–2 in Game 1 of the finals in Denver on May 20, 2026, after defenseman Dylan Coghlan scored his playoff goal to give Vegas the lead.
Goalie Carter Hart stopped 36 of 38 shots, as Cale Makar’s absence prompted coach Jared Bednar to note an effect on the Avalanche defense.
Forward Gabriel Landeskog scored a late power-play goal, which was insufficient to erase the deficit.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 the relocated Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in their first Denver season, sweeping the Florida Panthers 4-0 while captain Joe Sakic led the playoffs with 34 points, giving Denver its first major pro championship. Thirty years later, the 2026 Finals pit the Avalanche against the Vegas Golden Knights, testing that historic triumph as Cale Makar sits out the series.

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Story summary

The Vegas Golden Knights beat the Colorado Avalanche 4–2 in Game 1 of the finals in Denver on May 20, 2026, after defenseman Dylan Coghlan scored his playoff goal to give Vegas the lead.
Goalie Carter Hart stopped 36 of 38 shots, as Cale Makar’s absence prompted coach Jared Bednar to note an effect on the Avalanche defense.
Forward Gabriel Landeskog scored a late power-play goal, which was insufficient to erase the deficit.

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