Barbashev, Eichel score in 2:07 span, Golden Knights stun Avs 3-1 to take 2-0 series lead
May 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) skates with the puck during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images DENVER — Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev scored in a 2:07 span in the third period and the Vegas Golden Knights stunned the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 on Friday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Final. Eichel tied it, then set up Barbashev for the go-ahead goal with 8:38 remaining.
Barbashev added an empty-netter with 1:03 remaining. The comeback stunned the capacity crowd and wiped out the top-seeded Avalanche’s 1-0 lead. By winning twice at Ball Arena, the Golden Knights put the Avalanche in a huge hole.
Since 1982, road teams that started 2-0 in the conference finals have a 13-0 series record. Carter Hart had another stellar performance, stopping 29 shots. He made 36 saves in a 4-2 win on Wednesday.
Colorado was cruising after Ross Colton opened the scoring in the first period. Eichel lined a shot past Scott Wedgewood for his first goal in 11 games to get Vegas on the board. The Golden Knights then took advantage of a turnover as Eichel sent a pass to Barbashev, who rang in a shot off the post.
Game 3 is Sunday in Las Vegas. The Avalanche are hoping to have star defenseman Cale Makar back in the lineup. He has missed the last two games because of an upper-body injury.