Missed Ducks chances elevate icing non-call to Game 1 flashpoint in Vegas

May 4, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. LAS VEGAS – Game 1 was a contest of fine margins, and it was the finest of them that served as the flashpoint to open this second-round series. One minute after Mikael Granlund’s game-tying goal, an icing was waved off on a potentially 50-50 play in the Anaheim Ducks end, which sent coach Joel Quenneville into a frenzy on the bench.

The Vegas Golden Knights jumped into the lull of play to capitalize a back-door play to Ivan Barbashev for the go-ahead goal with five minutes to play in a 3-1 victory on Monday at T-Mobile Arena. Anaheim will get its shot to capitalize on an otherwise strong opening performance and even the series in Game 2 on Wednesday back here on the Vegas Strip. "We're fortunate that we found a way to win," Vegas coach John Tortorella said.

"They played well, but we have some things to work on... It’s a ‘dind a way’ league and we found a way to win. " With 6:03 remaining in the game, Jackson LaCombe made up for an earlier open-net whiff by driving to the net and setting up Granlund’s own open-cage chance to tie the game, 1-1.

Anaheim had dominated in possession time and earned the advantages on the shot clock (34-22), shot attempt share (55. 68%) and expected goal share (67%), but a singular elite play by Mitch Marner set up Vegas’ opening goal by Brett Howden in the second period. LaCombe’s play-creation felt like a just result for himself and for the Ducks’ overall game.