Pavel Dorofeyev Walked Through the Ducks Defense and Left Vegas One Win Away From the Western Final

Pavel Dorofeyev did what playoff hockey demands: he delivered when it mattered most. With the Golden Knights clinging to a chance to close out the Ducks, Dorofeyev buried the overtime winner in Game 5, giving Vegas a 3-2 series lead and putting them on the brink of advancing to the Western Final.

This wasn't some garbage goal either. Jack Eichel found Dorofeyev in overtime, and he converted to end it, but here's the thing that makes this story even better: Dorofeyev had taken a painful blocked shot earlier in the series and still came back to deliver the dagger. That's the kind of grit that wins playoff hockey.

The Golden Knights' Game 5 Was a Power Play Showcase

Vegas wasn't just winning this one. They were dominating the special teams battle, and the Ducks couldn't keep up. Dorofeyev scored on the power play during regulation play on a terrific solo effort that showed exactly why he's dangerous when the Golden Knights have the man advantage. That goal sparked Vegas, but Anaheim kept fighting.

Jani Hertl took the lead on a sly backhanded rebound, putting pressure back on the Ducks. But Vegas had answers. Dominik Kubalik also scored on the power play for the Golden Knights, adding another goal to their special teams arsenal. When you're clicking on the power play this deep in the playoffs, you're doing something right.

Anaheim Made It a Fight, but Vegas Had the Final Say

The Ducks weren't going down without a battle. Joren Zellweger, who's been showing he belongs in this lineup, tied it late in the game with his first playoff goal, sending Game 5 to overtime and forcing Vegas to find another answer. Leo Gauthier also scored for Anaheim, with Trevor Zegras cleaning up the rebound for a power play goal, showing the Ducks had their own special teams working.

But in the end, overtime belongs to the team that executes, and the Golden Knights executed. Dorofeyev's winner means Vegas is now one game away from the Western Final, and the Ducks are heading back to Anaheim facing elimination.

Game 6 is coming, and the Ducks have nowhere to hide. Vegas wants to close it out at home and move on.

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