Pavel Dorofeyev overtime winner puts Vegas Golden Knights on brink of final
Pavel Dorofeyev scored twice, including a crucial overtime winner, as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 to take a 3-2 series lead.
The Russian forward found the net four minutes and 10 seconds into the extra period on Tuesday night.
His decisive strike leaves the 2023 Stanley Cup champions requiring just one more victory to reach the Western Conference final.
Game six of this second-round NHL playoff series will take place in California on Thursday.
Early Anaheim advantage offset by Hertl resurgence
The Ducks opened the scoring during a first-period power play when Beckett Sennecke converted a rebound to extend his goal streak to four matches.
That man advantage occurred after Vegas defenceman Brayden McNabb received a five-minute major and game misconduct for interference.
McNabb delivered a heavy check that sent Ryan Poehling crashing into the boards, forcing the Anaheim centre to leave the ice.
Despite losing a first-pairing blueliner, the Nevada franchise responded swiftly when Dorofeyev snapped a shot past goaltender Lukas Dostal.
Zellweger forces overtime drama
Tomas Hertl gave Vegas a third-period lead with a rebound finish, marking his second goal in as many games following a 29-game drought.
American centre Jack Eichel provided two assists on the night, setting up both the opening equaliser and the dramatic overtime winner.
However, Anaheim refused to fold in their first post-season appearance in eight years.
Rookie defenceman Olen Zellweger scored his first career playoff goal from the left circle with just over three minutes remaining in regulation.
Goaltenders shine under playoff pressure
Carter Hart played a vital role in securing the crucial victory for the Golden Knights, stopping 34 shots.
At the opposite end of the rink, Dostal made 29 saves to keep the visitors firmly in contention.
Anaheim must now win on home ice on Thursday to force a decisive game seven back in Las Vegas this weekend.