Pavel Dorofeyev delivered the decisive moment 4:10 into overtime as the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Anaheim Ducks 3–2 in Game 5 of their Western Conference Second Round matchup at T-Mobile Arena.
The winning play came when Dorofeyev reacted quickly to a rebound at the left post after a shot from Jack Eichel’s position on the right side. He improvised at close range and turned the loose puck into the series-shifting goal.
Earlier in the game, Dorofeyev also found the net once in regulation, giving him a two-goal performance that heavily influenced the outcome. He described the decisive moment as instinctive, noting he simply reacted to the loose puck and managed to direct it in.
Late Anaheim equalizer forces extra period
Olen Zellweger dragged the Anaheim level late in the third period, scoring with 3:05 remaining to make it 2–2 and send the contest into overtime. The finish came from the left dot and beat the goaltender high, marking a crucial response under pressure.
The Ducks’ bench praised the playmaking and development of Zellweger, while teammate Cutter Gauthier highlighted his readiness and consistency throughout the season. Anaheim’s late surge ensured a tense conclusion after trailing earlier in the period.
The equalizing strike capped a strong finish from Anaheim, who had been searching for a way back after falling behind in the third frame.
Regulation swings and special teams impact
The opening period featured special teams momentum shifts. After an early penalty situation, Anaheim struck first through Beckett Sennecke, who finished off a rebound opportunity at the far post during a power play sequence.
Pavel Dorofeyev responded with a power-play goal of his own at 16:13, leveling the score after forcing a turnover in the attacking zone and finishing with a high shot.
Later, Tomas Hertl gave Vegas the lead in the third period by converting a loose puck through the five-hole after a deflected attempt went wide. Anaheim pressed back, including creating multiple dangerous chances, but could not regain control until the late equalizer.
Overtime finish and series implications
In overtime, Dorofeyev’s second goal sealed the result for the Golden Knights, who now hold a 3–2 lead in the best-of-seven series and move within one win of advancing to the Western Conference Final.
The Vegas Golden Knights also received key contributions from Jack Eichel, who registered two assists, while Tomas Hertl added a goal and an assist. Goaltender Carter Hart stopped 34 shots to help stabilize the result through regulation and overtime pressure.
For Anaheim, Lukas Dostal made 29 saves, while Beckett Sennecke extended his scoring streak to four consecutive games. Despite the loss, the Ducks remain alive in the series heading into Game 6 at Honda Center.