Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Golden Knights Edge Avalanche 4-2, Makar Out.

5/21/2026

39 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Golden Knights Triumph

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in Game 1 at Ball Arena in Denver on May 20, 2026.
Colorado played without star defenseman Cale Makar, who sat out with an upper-body injury.
Vegas goalie Carter Hart recorded 36 saves while Pavel Dorofeyev scored his league-leading 10th postseason goal.
The game aired on ESPN at 5 p.m. PT, with Games 2-7 scheduled for ESPN or ABC.

Summary

Hart Signs

Carter Hart signed a $4 million contract with the Golden Knights, returned in December 2025, and posted 358 saves, ranking second league-wide.
Brett Howden extended his road-goal streak to six games, a Golden Knights record, and became the second Vegas player with playoff game-winning goals.
After any 2025-2026 Golden Knights win, fans can claim six free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings in the Vegas area with a $10 purchase, valid two days.

History

Historical Context

After the NHL Board of Governors approved a $500 million expansion fee on June 22 2016, the Vegas Golden Knights entered the league in 2017-18 and reached the Stanley Cup Final in their first season—a feat last seen with the 1968 St. Louis Blues. Their rapid rise spurred the 2021 addition of the Seattle Kraken and set the stage for the Knights’ 2026 playoff triumph over Colorado.

1 of 3

Golden Knights Triumph

The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in Game 1 at Ball Arena in Denver on May 20, 2026.
Colorado played without star defenseman Cale Makar, who sat out with an upper-body injury.
Vegas goalie Carter Hart recorded 36 saves while Pavel Dorofeyev scored his league-leading 10th postseason goal.
The game aired on ESPN at 5 p.m. PT, with Games 2-7 scheduled for ESPN or ABC.

1 / 3