Ivan Barbashev's Controversial Goal Sends Vegas Past Anaheim in Game 1, and the Ducks Are Furious

The Vegas Golden Knights stole Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks on a goal that had the entire Ducks bench seeing red. Ivan Barbashev buried the go-ahead score with 4:58 left in the third period, and it came under circumstances that left Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville and his team absolutely livid. Vegas won 3-1 in Las Vegas on Monday night, and the way it happened is already the talking point of the series.

The Controversial Play That Decided It

Here's what went down: Barbashev fired the puck into the zone from behind the red line, and the Ducks defense got caught napping. They were anticipating an icing call and let up while Anaheim defenseman Jackson LaCombe was screening Jack Eichel. But the icing was waived off at the last second. Pavel Dorofeyev crossed a pass to Barbashev, who ripped a shot from the left side of the crease that found the top of the net. Game-winner. The Ducks bench erupted in protest, and you can understand why. That's the kind of goal that stings for weeks.

Vegas Controlled This One Despite a Late Push

Brett Howden put Vegas up 1-0 early in the second period when he redirected a cross-ice pass from Mitch Marner through traffic and inside the left post. Howden had only scored 12 goals in 58 regular season games, but he's been lights out in the playoffs with his fifth goal in seven games. Anaheim tied it 1-1 late in the third when Jackson LaCombe drove down the left wing and crossed to Mikael Granlund, who ripped in his third playoff goal. That setup for a dramatic finish, but Barbashev's controversial tally just 65 seconds later ended any comeback hopes. Carter Hart was massive for Vegas, stopping 33 of 34 shots. Mitch Marner added an empty-netter with six seconds left to seal it. Lukas Dostal finished with 19 saves for Anaheim, and Granlund scored the Ducks' only goal.

What's Next

Game 2 goes Wednesday night in Las Vegas. Vegas has owned this matchup historically at 28-8-3 all-time against Anaheim, including 16-3-1 at home. But you know Anaheim is coming back angry. That icing call is going to haunt this series.

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