Max Pacioretty netted the game-winner at 1:56 of overtime, helping the Vegas Golden Knights secure a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. The win allowed Vegas to bounce back from a 5-1 defeat in the series’ first game and move one point ahead of Colorado at the top of the West Division.
“We were really disappointed with our effort (on Thursday), and we responded,” said Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer. “Tonight showed that we’re tough to beat when we play our game and focus on the details. But we learned in game one that if you’re off your A-game even slightly, they’ll make you look bad.”
Pacioretty, who also contributed an assist, was joined by Alec Martinez and William Carrier on the scoresheet, while Marc-Andre Fleury made 22 saves to earn the win.
“We had much to prove after getting beaten last game,” Pacioretty said. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. They will get chances, but Flower (Fleury) stood tall.”
Joonas Donskoi and Devon Toews scored for Colorado, while Philipp Grubauer stopped 31 shots. The Avalanche, who had won seven straight at home, struggled to contain Vegas in a tightly contested match.
“They were better tonight, and we weren’t physical enough,” Donskoi said. “We wanted those two points to stay on top but couldn’t get it done.”
Pacioretty’s overtime goal came after Toews broke his stick while attempting to clear a rebound. Pacioretty took advantage, poking the loose puck past the helpless defenseman and into the net.
“I thought I had the play, but my stick let me down,” Toews said.
Vegas held a 34-24 shot advantage, marking the first time in 20 games that Colorado had been outshot. The last team to outshoot the Avalanche was also Vegas on February 16.
Donskoi gave Colorado an early lead, scoring just 1:16 into the game with his 12th goal of the season. Martinez responded for Vegas with a power-play goal at 16:32 of the first period to make it 1-1. A little over a minute later, Toews put the Avalanche back on top. Still, Carrier’s tip-in goal early in the second period tied the game again at 2-2, where it remained until Pacioretty’s overtime heroics.
Defensive Support
Colorado’s defenseman Bo Byram was scratched due to an upper-body injury likely caused by a hit from Vegas forward Keegan Kolesar on Thursday. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed Byram could miss multiple games.
“I’ve got him listed day-to-day, but it might turn into week-to-week,” Bednar said. “We’ll evaluate him daily.”
Dan Renouf replaced Byram in the lineup and wasted no time standing up for his teammate by fighting Kolesar early in the game.
Game Notes
- Colorado’s Matt Calvert missed his second consecutive game due to an upper-body injury.
- Vegas forward Mark Stone came into the game leading the NHL in points for March with 22 (eight goals, 14 assists).
UP NEXT
- Golden Knights: Host the Los Angeles Kings on Monday and Wednesday.
- Avalanche: Host the Anaheim Ducks on Monday.