Ducks vs. Golden Knights Game 5: Key takeaways as Vegas wins in overtime

The Golden Knights won against the Ducks 3-2 in overtime on May 12, 2026, advancing to within a win of the Western Conference final. Pavel Dorofeyev scored the game-winner at 4:10 of overtime after knocking a rebound past Anaheim goalie Lukas Dostal. The goal came after Dorofeyev had briefly left the game following a knee injury from a shot.

The Golden Knights' win improved their postseason overtime record to 3-0 and extended their franchise record to 5-0 when winning Game 5 of a 2-2 series. Game 6 is set for May 14, 2026, in Anaheim.

The Ducks started strong, with Beckett Sennecke scoring on the power play with 7:24 remaining in the first period. The Golden Knights responded late in the first period when Dorofeyev intercepted the puck and scored to equalize.

In the second period, Anaheim dominated with 17 shots compared to Vegas's 6, yet goalie Carter Hart made 17 saves to keep the score tied heading into the third period. Tomas Hertl gave the Golden Knights a lead early in the third with his second goal in consecutive games, having ended a 29-game scoring drought in Game 4.

However, Olen Zellweger tied the game for the Ducks with three minutes remaining in regulation, scoring after a smooth pass from Cutter Gauthier.

Brayden McNabb of Vegas received a five-minute major penalty for interference after a hit that injured Ryan Poehling, leaving the Golden Knights shorthanded for the last 51 minutes. The Ducks adjusted quickly, missing Poehling, who was a key penalty-killer and had been performing well during the playoffs. Coach Joel Quenneville utilized Leo Carlsson and Mikael Granlund to fill the gap left by Poehling's absence.

Sennecke's goal marked his fourth consecutive game with a score, making him part of an elite group of rookies in playoff history. His fifth playoff goal tied him for the most by a Ducks rookie in a single postseason.

Dorofeyev had a notable night with his goal and impactful defensive plays, despite a painful moment when he blocked a slap shot with his knee. He returned to assist Vegas in overtime, scoring his seventh playoff goal, tying him for the league lead.

Zellweger, who had been a healthy scratch, scored his first playoff goal, timely for the Ducks. He expressed his focus on communication and position after stepping back into the lineup on May 12.