The Vegas Golden Knights moved one step closer to the next round of the 2025-26 season NHL Playoffs on Tuesday night, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The win at T-Mobile Arena breaks a 2-2 series deadlock and gives Vegas a commanding 3-2 lead in the best-of-7 matchup. It was a classic postseason battle defined by narrow margins and physical play, with both teams knowing the immense value of a Game 5 victory.
This series has been a back-and-forth affair since the puck dropped for Game 1 on May 4. After Vegas took the opener, Anaheim responded with a strong showing in Game 2. The pattern continued as the series shifted venues, with Vegas winning big in Game 3 only for the Ducks to claw back with a 4-3 win in Game 4. Tuesday’s result finally gave one team the upper hand heading into the final stages of the round.
The decisive moment
In a series that has been defined by momentum swings, the Golden Knights found a way to lock down the defensive zone when it mattered most in the final period. Anaheim pushed aggressively to force overtime, but the Vegas defensive unit stood tall to preserve the slim one-goal lead. The home crowd played a significant role as the energy in T-Mobile Arena intensified during the closing minutes of play.
The absence of Radko Gudas on the Anaheim blue line was felt during these high-leverage shifts. The Ducks struggled to clear the front of the net against a heavy Vegas forecheck that consistently applied pressure. Without Gudas and Drew Helleson, the Ducks' defensive depth was tested to its limit against a relentless Golden Knights attack.
By the numbers
- Final Score: Vegas Golden Knights 3, Anaheim Ducks 2
- Series Standing: Vegas leads the best-of-7 series 3-2
- Postseason Record: Vegas has now won three of the five games in this opening round
- Injury Impact: Anaheim played without defensemen Radko Gudas and Drew Helleson
The narrow margin reflected the parity seen throughout this entire 2025-26 season NHL Playoffs series. Both teams have now traded blows over five games, with the total goal differential remaining remarkably close as the teams head toward a potential elimination game.
What it means
By taking Game 5, Vegas has put the Ducks in a "win or go home" position for the remainder of the series. The Golden Knights have successfully defended home ice in two of their three opportunities, asserting their dominance in front of their fans. They now possess two chances to close out the series and advance to the next round.
Anaheim must now find a way to replicate their Game 2 and Game 4 successes to force a deciding seventh game. The Ducks' coaching staff will likely be monitoring Ryan Poehling’s status closely, as his return could provide a much-needed spark to a lineup currently missing significant veteran presence. Facing elimination, the Ducks will need their remaining leaders to step up in a major way.
What to watch next
The series shifts back to Anaheim for a critical Game 6, where the Ducks will look to keep their 2025-26 season NHL Playoffs campaign alive. Vegas will aim to clinch on the road and avoid the unpredictability of a Game 7. Expect a desperate Anaheim squad to come out with high intensity from the opening faceoff as they fight for their postseason lives.