Pavel Dorofeyev’s Overtime Heroics Push Golden Knights to Brink of Conference Finals

LAS VEGAS — In a city built on high-stakes gambles and dramatic finishes, the Vegas Golden Knights delivered a classic. Pavel Dorofeyev, a name that might not have been on everyone’s playoff radar a month ago, has etched himself into Golden Knights lore. His second goal of the night—a crisp, backdoor one-timer 4:10 into overtime—lifted Vegas to a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, giving the defending champions a 3-2 series lead in this gritty Western Conference second-round battle.

The goal was a masterpiece of patience and execution. Stationed alone by the left post, Dorofeyev took a perfect cross-ice feed from Jack Eichel and roofed it past a sprawling Lukas Dostal. It was Dorofeyev’s first career playoff overtime winner, and it sent T-Mobile Arena into a frenzy. The Golden Knights now have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 on Thursday night in Anaheim, a task that feels both inevitable and fraught with danger.

Dorofeyev and Hertl Power the Golden Knights’ Offensive Surge

While the headline belongs to Dorofeyev, the story of the night was Vegas’s ability to counterpunch. After falling behind 1-0 in the first period on a rebound goal by Beckett Sennecke—his fifth of the playoffs and fourth straight game with a goal—the Golden Knights didn’t panic. They tightened their defensive structure and waited for their chances.

Tomas Hertl was the catalyst. The veteran forward scored a crucial goal and added an assist, using his size and hockey IQ to create space in the offensive zone. Hertl’s goal, a slick deflection in front of the net, tied the game at 1-1 early in the second period and shifted the momentum squarely to Vegas’s bench.

Dorofeyev then took over. His first goal of the night came on a similar play to the overtime winner—a quick release off a feed from the half-wall. It gave Vegas a 2-1 lead late in the second period and showcased the chemistry developing between him and the team’s top playmakers. Eichel, who finished with two assists, continues to be the engine of this offense, but it is the secondary scoring from players like Dorofeyev and Hertl that makes Vegas terrifying.

• Pavel Dorofeyev: 2 goals, including OT winner. First career playoff OT goal.
• Jack Eichel: 2 assists. Now has 10 points in the postseason.
• Tomas Hertl: 1 goal, 1 assist. Physical presence all night.
• Carter Hart: 34 saves. Steady performance under pressure.

The Golden Knights’ ability to generate offense from multiple lines is a hallmark of championship teams. Unlike earlier in the series where they relied heavily on the top unit, they are now getting contributions from depth players at critical moments. This depth will be vital if they hope to advance to the Western Conference finals for the fourth time in the franchise’s nine-year history.

Anaheim’s Young Stars Refuse to Fade Away

Credit must be given to the Ducks, who once again proved they are not a team that will be easily dismissed. Despite being down 2-1 heading into the third period, Anaheim showed the resilience that has defined their surprising playoff run. Olen Zellweger tied the game at 2-2 early in the third period with a wrist shot from the point that found its way through traffic, silencing the Vegas crowd and setting the stage for overtime.

The Ducks’ young core continues to shine under the bright lights. Sennecke’s goal streak is now at four games, a remarkable feat for a rookie playing in his first postseason. He is reading the play at an elite level, finding soft spots in the defense, and finishing with confidence. Meanwhile, Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish each added two assists, showcasing the kind of skilled, two-way hockey that has Anaheim believing they can pull off the upset.

Goaltender Lukas Dostal was once again outstanding, making 29 saves and giving his team a chance to steal the game. He has been the Ducks’ MVP this series, making acrobatic stops and keeping his composure even when the Golden Knights are swarming. His performance in Game 5 was no different, as he made several key saves in the third period to force overtime.

However, the Ducks’ inability to close out periods and their tendency to allow late surges from Vegas remains a concern. The Golden Knights scored twice in the final minute of periods in Games 4 and 5, a trend that Anaheim must correct if they want to force a Game 7 back in Las Vegas.

Expert Analysis: The Key Adjustments That Decided Game 5

From a tactical standpoint, Game 5 was a chess match between two well-coached teams. The Ducks came out with a strong forecheck, pinning Vegas in their own zone and generating the first goal. But the Golden Knights made a critical adjustment in the second period: they started chipping the puck deep and using their size to wear down Anaheim’s defense.

The Eichel Factor: When Jack Eichel has time and space, he is unstoppable. In Game 5, the Ducks tried to shadow him with a forward, but Vegas countered by using Eichel as a decoy on the half-wall, allowing Hertl and Dorofeyev to slip into scoring areas. This manipulation of defensive structure is why Vegas is so dangerous in overtime.

The Hart Wall: Carter Hart’s 34 saves were not just about quantity; they were about quality. He made several point-blank stops on Sennecke and Gauthier in the third period, keeping the game tied and giving his team a chance to win. Hart’s rebound control has been excellent in this series, limiting Anaheim’s second-chance opportunities.

Special Teams Battle: The penalty kill for both teams was a non-factor in Game 5, with no power-play goals scored. This played into Vegas’s hands, as they prefer five-on-five action where their depth can take over. The Ducks will need to generate more power-play pressure in Game 6 to succeed.

Prediction: The Golden Knights will win Game 6 in Anaheim. The pressure on the Ducks to extend the series is immense, and Vegas has the experience and the goaltending to close it out. Expect a tight, physical game, but the Golden Knights’ depth and Eichel’s brilliance will be the difference. Vegas wins 4-2.

What’s at Stake in Game 6: A Chance at History

Thursday night’s Game 6 at the Honda Center is the ultimate test for both teams. For the Vegas Golden Knights, it is a chance to advance to the Western Conference finals for the fourth time in their nine-year existence. A win would solidify their status as a modern-day dynasty and keep their quest for a second Stanley Cup alive.

For the Anaheim Ducks, it is a do-or-die scenario. They have been the underdog all postseason, and they have embraced that role. The crowd in Anaheim will be electric, and the young Ducks have shown they can rise to the occasion. But history is not on their side: teams that go down 3-2 in a best-of-seven series win the series only about 30% of the time.

The Ducks will need to get a better start. In Game 5, they scored first but then allowed Vegas to dictate the pace for long stretches. They must sustain offensive pressure for 60 minutes and avoid the defensive lapses that have cost them in the third period. If Sennecke can extend his goal streak to five games and Dostal can steal another game, Anaheim can force a winner-take-all Game 7.

But the Golden Knights are a team built for moments like this. They have the experience, the star power, and the confidence of a champion. Pavel Dorofeyev’s overtime heroics are just the latest chapter in a season full of resilience. Now, they have a chance to write the next one—and advance to the conference finals.

Conclusion: The Knights Are Learning to Close

In the playoffs, it’s not enough to be talented. You have to be tough. You have to be smart. And you have to be able to win when the game is on the line. The Vegas Golden Knights proved all three in Game 5. Pavel Dorofeyev’s overtime goal was a moment of pure hockey artistry, but it was built on a foundation of disciplined defense, relentless forechecking, and timely goaltending.

The series now shifts back to Anaheim, where the Ducks will be desperate. But desperation alone is not enough to beat a team like Vegas. The Golden Knights have the horses, the system, and the belief that they are destined for something special. If they can carry the momentum from Tuesday’s dramatic win into Thursday, they will be packing for the conference finals.

For the Ducks, the future is bright. But the present belongs to Vegas. Game 6 is Thursday. The Golden Knights are ready to finish the job.

Source: Based on news from Deadspin.

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