Full Breakdown
Golden Knights Erase 3-Goal Deficit, Lead West Final 3-0
5/25/2026, 10:32:42 PM
Game-3 Turnaround
Colorado jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals by Gabriel Landeskog, Nazem Kadri and Jack Drury’s short-handed strike. Vegas answered 19 seconds into the second with Mark Stone’s power-play goal, then William Karlsson’s rebound. Keegan Kolesar tied the game, Tomas Hertl gave the Knights a 4-3 lead at 8:21 of the third, and Brett Howden sealed a 5-3 win with an empty-netter as Colorado pulled its goalie.
Background & Stakes
The Avalanche entered the series as Presidents’ Trophy winners (121 points) and hold a 74-1 record when leading by three goals in the playoffs. The Golden Knights had never won after trailing by three or more in 20 postseason games. A 3-0 series lead is rare—only four teams have ever rallied from it.
Key Players & Injuries
Mark Stone returned after missing five games with a lower-body injury; William Karlsson noted the “40 minutes still to play.” Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon, the regular-season goal leader, suffered a right-knee injury blocking a Shea Theodore shot and logged limited minutes. Defenseman Cale Makar returned from an upper-body injury but recorded no points.
Data & Statistics
Vegas outshot Colorado 16-7 in the first period and posted a 41.82 % shot share. Carter Hart made 32 saves; Scott Wedgewood stopped 18. The Knights scored five straight goals, the first comeback from a three-goal deficit in 20 playoff games. Colorado’s power play went 0-4.
Official Statements & Responses
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said the loss marked a low point for the team and urged his squad to regroup within 24-36 hours. Golden Knights coach John Tortorella praised the comeback but warned against complacency before Game 4. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood commended Vegas’s effort despite the challenge. Captain Mark Stone highlighted the need for composure and smart use of the remaining time.
Criticism & Opposition
Avalanche players cited the Knights’ disciplined penalty kill and their failure to convert on power-play chances. Concerns focused on MacKinnon’s limited minutes and the effect on Colorado’s scoring depth.
Conflicts
Sources differ on MacKinnon’s ice time: some list four shifts in the third, others describe only brief, low-intensity stints. Avalanche data also vary, citing a 74-1 versus a 45-0-0 record when leading by three goals or after two periods.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's as low as it can get,” — Jared Bednar, Avalanche head coach
- “They’re not afraid.” — John Tortorella, Golden Knights head coach
- “Just resiliency,” — Jack Eichel, Golden Knights forward
- “If any group can do it, it’s this group,” — Scott Wedgewood, Avalanche goaltender
What’s Next
Game 4 returns to Las Vegas, where the Avalanche must win four straight to avoid elimination. The status of MacKinnon’s knee and the timely return of Cale Makar will be pivotal for Colorado’s comeback hopes.
