Postgame: Avalanche Stunned in Game 2, Blow Third-Period Lead to Vegas Golden Knights

May 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Martin Necas (88) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) battle for control of the puck during the second period of game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche are heading on the road trailing 2-0 in the Western Conference Final. After falling in Game 1, the Avalanche led for more than half of Game 2 on Friday before eventually losing again to the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena.

This time the final score was 3-1. Colorado played well at times, especially in the second period. But when the game was in their hands, with around half a period remaining in regulation, Jared Bednar’s team babied the puck, was soft defending, and it led to two quick goals for the Knights that changed the trajectory of the game.

The Avalanche were 41-0-0 in the regular season and 4-0 in the playoffs when leading after 40 minutes. That streak ended in Game 2. “It’s a fine margin for error, the difference of winning and losing,” Bednar said.

There are obviously things in the game, especially when you give up two in the third period, that you don’t like. ” Ross Colton had the Avs’ only tally, which came late in the first period. The Golden Knights’ goals came from Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev at 9:15 and 11:22, respectively, to flip the game on a dime.