Colorado lost Game 1 4-2 to Vegas and now faces a crucial Game 2 at Ball Arena on Friday. The Avalanche struggled with puck control and intensity for stretches, allowing the Golden Knights to build a lead. With Cale Makar sidelined, the Avs will need a better all-around effort to even the best-of-seven series.
Coach Jared Bednar praised his team’s energy in the first and third periods but admitted the middle portion of Game 1 was a concern. “The start of the game was good energy, good pace. Thought we faded away for about 20 minutes in there,” Bednar said. “I liked the third period. I thought we had a lot of juice and energy in the third period to fight our way back into it.”
Vegas goaltender Carter Hart has been in top form, posting a .953 save percentage over his last three games and allowing only five goals. The Avalanche offense will need to be sharp to test him, especially with Makar out of the lineup. Makar, who leads the team in points this postseason, has been a key driver of Colorado’s success.
The Golden Knights, meanwhile, have a strong home record in the playoffs with a 4-2 mark. But they are aware of Colorado’s ability to bounce back. The Avalanche have lost just four consecutive games all season, the last coming in mid-March. Vegas will need to maintain the pressure and avoid complacency.
Colorado’s recent history gives them reason for optimism. In 2024, the Avs overcame a 7-6 loss to the Winnipeg Jets in Game 1 of the first round and won the next four games to advance. That resilience could be key again Friday.
With two games remaining in Denver before the series shifts to Las Vegas, the Avalanche have a chance to take control of the series. They need to bring more urgency and structure to their play. The Golden Knights, for their part, will look to build on their Game 1 performance and avoid a late-season letdown.
Game 2 is set for Friday, May 22, at 8:00 PM MT in Denver. The winner will take a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 at T-Mobile Arena.
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