The NHL has announced that the Golden Knights will forfeit a 2nd Round pick in the 2026 Draft as a result of “flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations.”
John Tortorella has also been fined $100,000.
Following the Golden Knights’ 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center to clinch a place in the Western Conference Final, John Tortorella declined to attend the required postgame press conference.
In addition, the Vegas locker room was not opened to the media as it typically is following games. One player, Shea Theodore, was brought into an auxiliary dressing room to answer questions and his press conference was cut short by the public relations staff in less than three minutes. Mitch Marner and Brett Howden fielded questions at the podium, as is standard after a playoff win, but quickly made it clear they were in a hurry, with Marner even outwardly joking about it before even sitting down.
The Golden Knights insisted the team bus had to leave so they could make their flight.
The NHL added that “the imposition of these penalties comes after previous warnings were issued to the Club regarding their compliance with the Media Regulations and other associated policies.”
Vegas has the right to appeal, which will take place in person next week in New York.
GAME 6 – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 5 ANAHEIM DUCKS 1 (VGK win 4-2)
Friday, May 15, 2026 • Duration 57:26
Recap: The Golden Knights were trying to advance to the Western Conference finals by eliminating the Ducks in Anaheim. Mitch Marner scored immediately into Game 6 with a nifty move to give Vegas a quick 1-0 advantage. Later in the period, Vegas committed a minor infraction, but Brett Howden scored a shorthanded goal, his NHL record-tying third of the playoffs, making it an early 2-0 victory. Shea Theodore completed the trifecta with a power play goal. Vegas held a 3-0 lead after one period of action.
Vegas took multiple penalties in the middle frame which Anaheim took advantage of. However, the Golden Knights held a 3-1 edge going into the 2nd intermission.
A few minutes into the final period Pavel Dorofeyev scored his 8th and 9th goal of the postseason to give Vegas a 5-1 3rd period advantage.
The Golden Knights eliminate the Ducks 5-1 and advance to the Western Conference Final. Game 1 of the WCF against the Colorado Avalanche begins on Wednesday, May 20th. Puck drop in Denver is scheduled for 5 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: VGK’s ability to raise its game in Game 6 after un-tying a series is absolutely incredible. Last series, they played their best game in this situation, and once again, they did it in Game 6 in this one. They did exactly what you must do to make a team go away; score early, keep pressing, don’t give them hope. VGK continued to stay patient throughout the game and made it look easy to eliminate another team in this postseason. Next up is Colorado, the real test in the West. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from Game 6 of the Second Round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.
On to the Western Conference Final against the league’s best team
This one might be even more dominant than the Game 6 of last round. I cannot stress enough just how impressive it has been for VGK to put themselves on the doorstep of winning a series and go on to play the best game of the season over and over and over again. 6 times out of 6.
GAME 5 – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 ANAHEIM DUCKS 2 (VGK 3-2)
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • Duration 57:33
Recap: The Golden Knights were trying to extend their series lead to 3-2 with a victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 4. Brayden McNabb was whistled for a questionable major penalty, leading the Ducks to a five-minute power play. Vegas killed off most of the penalty but the Ducks were able to get on the scoresheet first. Minutes later the Golden Knights evened the game with a Pavel Dorofeyev power play goal. After 20 minutes the game was locked in a 1-1 tie.
Both teams traded chances in the 2nd period but both goaltenders kept it a scoreless period.
Under five minutes into the final frame, Tomas Hertl broke the tie to give the Golden Knights a 2-1 lead. The Ducks pushed back and eventually tied the game late to force overtime.
Dorofeyev scored the game-winner in overtime to give Vegas a 3-2 victory.
The Golden Knights take a 3-2 series lead by defeating the Ducks 3-2 in OT. Game 6 of the Second Round seven-game series is scheduled for Thursday night in Anaheim. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: A controversial major penalty put the Golden Knights behind the 8-ball early in this game. Not only was Brayden McNabb kicked out of the game, but they allowed a goal on the ensuing power play. When the game settled in afterwards, it was the most open game of the series and it appeared VGK were going to get the better of it as they led late in the 3rd. They continued doing it in OT and eventually were able to break through with an awesome finish by Dorofeyev. The Golden Knights are now up 3-2 in the series after winning Game 5. They’ve been here five times before, including two weeks ago, and it’s gone extremely well in Game 6 every single time. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from Game 5 of the Second Round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena.
Dorofeyev is turning into the clutch goal scorer VGK have hoped he’d become
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Carter Hart
** Tomas Hertl
* Pavel Dorofeyev
GAME 4 – ANAHEIM DUCKS 4 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (Series Tied 2-2)
Monday, May 11, 2026 • Duration 49:12
Recap: The Golden Knights were trying to extend their series lead to 3-1 with a victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 4. The Ducks olenwd the scoring with their first power play goal of the series. However, Pavel Dorofeyev scored a power play goal of his own to tie the game 1-1 midway through the period. With under five minutes remaining the Ducks scored to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
Early into the middle frame Vegas’ leading goal scorer Brett Howden evened the score with his seventh goal of the postseason. Anaheim regained their lead with a late period power play goal.
The Golden Knights began the final 20 minutes on the power play but couldn’t score. A minute later the Ducks took a crushing 4-2 advantage. Vegas got within one with Tomas Hertl’s first goal in an eternity but couldn’t get any closer.
The Ducks even the series at 2-2 by defeating the Golden Knights 4-3 in Anaheim. Game 5 of the second round seven-game series is scheduled for Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: Honestly didn’t hate that game from VGK’s perspective. They played the game with a bunch of speed and looked dangerous most of the times they were in the offensive zone. Defensively, the blocking game was back on and if it weren’t for some goofy hops and seeing-eye pucks it would have gotten the job done. Special teams was really the biggest disappointment as the PK finally broke and the power play couldn’t bail them out, especially on the two in the 3rd period. Series is tied, VGK are coming home. Road team has been better in the first four games, VGK need to change that in Game 5. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from Game 4 of the Second Round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.
Offseason plans have been paying dividends
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Jack Eichel
** William Karlsson
* Brett Howden
GAME 3 – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 6 ANAHEIM DUCKS 2 (VGK 2-1)
Saturday, May 9, 2026 • Duration 50:14
Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to take a 2-1 series lead with a Game 3 victory over the Ducks in Anaheim. Vegas struck immediately into the game to take the opening lead of the game. Shea Theodore recorded his third goal of the postseason just :66 seconds into Game 3. The Golden Knights added a second goal 11 minutes later on the penalty kill. Brayden McNabb snapped a shorthanded goal to give Vegas a 2-0 advantage. With :05 seconds left in the opening frame, Mitch Marner added his fourth goal of the playoffs.
Marner added his second goal of the evening midway through the middle frame to stretch VGK’s lead to 4-0. Several shifts later Marner finished off the hat trick, giving the Golden Knights a 5-0 lead through 40 minutes.
Anaheim snapped Vegas’ shutout early in the final frame to get within four goals. The Ducks would add another but the Golden Knights added an empty netter to seal it at 6-2.
The Golden Knights take a 2-1 series lead by defeating the Ducks 6-2 in Anaheim. Game 4 of the best-of-seven Second Round series is scheduled for Sunday night in Anaheim. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights were looking to not only win Game 3 but also establish some dominance in the series. Boy, did they ever. The 1st period was a little more open than VGK might prefer, however they were the far more opportunistic team and found a way to pot three goals on seven shots. In the 2nd, they completely took over and ran the Ducks out of their own building. It was a full-fledged butt whipping and the Golden Knights now have a series lead and an opportunity to grab full control of the series in Game 4. Perfect time for the best game of the season. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from Game 3 of the Second Round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.
Let the bodies hit the floor puck
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Shea Theodore
** Jack Eichel
* Mitch Marner
GAME 2 – ANAHEIM DUCKS 3 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 1 (Series Tied 1-1)
Thursday, May 7, 2026 • Duration 54:34
Recap: The Golden Knights were attempting to take a 2-0 series lead with a victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 2. Vegas got caught in some penalty trouble early into the game. The Golden Knights killed off all of the Ducks power play opportunities and held the game scoreless through the opening twenty minutes.
Both teams traded chances to start the second period, but neither could find the back of the net. Eventually, the visiting team took the first lead of Game 2 midway through the middle frame. After 40 minutes of action, the Golden Knights trailed 1-0.
Anaheim took a 2-0 early in the final twenty minutes. Vegas had several quality chances on a midpoint power play but failed to get one into their opponent’s net. With three minutes remaining, the Ducks added an empty net goal. With seconds left in the game Mark Stone scored on the PP.
The Ducks even the series 1-1 by defeating the Golden Knights 3-1 in Game 2. Game 3 of the second round seven-game series is scheduled for Friday night in Anaheim. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: For a second straight game, the Ducks came out and smothered the Golden Knights in all three zones for the majority of the game. Carter Hart was crucial in keeping the game at bay for a while and the penalty kill once again rose to the occasion impressively. Unfortunately, when you try to trade water for that long, eventually bad things happen, and for VGK that’s exactly what occurred. They’ve been outplayed by Ducks in each of the first two games of the series and now have to figure it out in Anaheim and quickly, because if they don’t get to their game quick, time in going to run out. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from Game 2 of the second round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena.
Is it time for some fresh blood in the lineup?
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Mark Stone
** William Karlsson
* Carter Hart
Color me concerned. Anaheim has come into Vegas and accomplished the mission of the road team, taking home-ice advantage. VGK have not looked like the big, bruising, experienced team that defeated the Mammoth.
GAME 1 – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 ANAHEIM DUCKS 1 (VGK 1-0)
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 48:29
Recap: The Golden Knights were looking to take 1-0 series lead with a victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1. Vegas was outshot but kept Anaheim off the scoreboard. After 20 minutes the game remained scoreless.
Brett Howden opened the scoring with his fifth goal of the postseason. Anaheim drew a couple of penalties but Vegas promptly killed them off and held their 1-0 advantage.
Anaheim briefly tied Game 1, but Vegas responded right back. Ivan Barbashev snapped the tie to give Vegas a late 2-1 edge. With seconds winding down the Golden Knights added a 190-foot empty net goal.
The Golden Knights take a 1-0 series lead by defeating the Ducks 3-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Game 2 of the second round seven-game series is scheduled for Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 630PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: For the most part, the game was played at the Ducks pace and style. VGK struggled to win to races, left the neutral zone too open, and allowed the ANA forecheck to create some turnovers. Fortunately, goalies are people too, and Hart was excellent behind VGK’s defense to clean up each and every mistake (with a little help from Jackson LaCombe’s unwillingness to shoot). In the end, the game came down to a blown call by the linesman that led directly to VGK’s go-ahead goal. He missed a clear icing call and Dorofeyev and Barbashev jumped all over it. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from Game 1 of the second round series between the Vegas Golden Knights vs Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena.
Take the win, must be better moving forward
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Linesman
** Brett Howden
* Carter Hart
The breaks go all VGK's way in this one. Not the better team but won the game because of excellent goaltending and some fortunate luck.
Take it and play better on Wednesday.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas)
SinBin.vegas Podcast #353: Second Round VGK vs ANA
Monday, May 4, 2026 • Duration 01:36:30
The Golden Knights are off to the Second Round and have another young inexperienced opponent. We break the series down from as many angles as we can think of. Hosted by Ken Boehlke and Jason Pothier.
Q&A w/ Nathan Rudolph Of DNVR: Western Conference Final vs Colorado Avalanche
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 43:21
The Golden Knights are onto the Western Conference Final where they face the big bad Colorado Avalanche. Our Q&A guest for this round is Nathan Rudolph, better known as Rudo, from TheDNVR.com.
SinBin.vegas Podcast #354: Western Conference Final vs COL
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 02:15:51
VGK are in the Western Conference Final for the 5th time in nine seasons and they have a monster of an opponent. We break down the series as well as dig into the two off-ice stories the Golden Knights are dealing with at the moment. Hosted by Ken Boehlke and Jason Pothier.
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Brett Howden has more shorthanded goals in the postseason (technically in the last 9 games) than each of the following teams had in the entire regular season
Boston Bruins Colorado Avalanche Seattle Kraken
VGK's 4 shorthanded goals are more than each of these teams in the…
Tonight is the 5th time in the 6 Game 6's like this one in which VGK have scored in the first 7 minutes of the game. They have also scored first in all but one of them. https://t.co/k1hJnuSOhb
The penalty kill streak has finally been broken. Hart stopped a great look from Gauthier but it came right back out to Sennecke and he laid into one. 1-0 ANA
Torts, correctly, goes to the super early goalie pull, and just liked VGK have done all game long, they fail to execute. ANA always has players moving, creating traffic, and turnovers, and they did it once again to bang home the empty netter.
Not a particularly good opening period from VGK. Struggled to maintain O-Zone time and lost a lot of races to available pucks. Going to have to muck this thing up a bit more to slow things down.
