Dorofeyev's Overtime Strike Sends Vegas One Win Away From the Western Final

Vegas is one game away from the Western Conference Final, and it took a dagger at 4:10 of overtime to get there. Dorofeyev buried his second goal of the night, this time the overtime winner, to lift the Golden Knights past the Ducks in Game 5. Eichel set up the decisive play, and just like that, Vegas has their hand on the series trophy.

The Overtime Drama Nobody Saw Coming

This was a heavyweight fight that went the distance. The Ducks didn't go quietly, either. Zellweger tied it late in regulation with his first playoff goal, keeping Anaheim alive and forcing the extra period. Hertl had given Vegas the lead earlier with a slick backhanded rebound, but the Ducks clawed back to force overtime. That's when Dorofeyev put it away. Two goals in one game on the biggest stage is exactly what you need when you're one win from the Final.

Power Play Prowess Carried the Night

Vegas wasn't messing around with special teams. Dorofeyev had a terrific solo effort on one power play goal earlier in the contest, showing off the kind of individual skill that wins playoff hockey. Sennecke also cashed in on the man advantage, cleaning up a rebound off Gauthier to add to Vegas's tally. When you're playing in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and you're converting on the power play like that, you're doing the things required to move forward.

What Comes Next

The Golden Knights have their chance to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Final. One more win and they're in. For Anaheim, it's win or go home in Game 6, and they'll have to figure out how to slow down Dorofeyev and this Vegas offense. The Ducks showed guts in this one, but sometimes guts aren't enough when overtime comes calling. Vegas is sharp, Vegas is clicking, and Vegas is on the brink.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.