The Colorado Avalanche won 3-2 in a shootout against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night. The Golden Knights led 2-0 in the second period but lost in the shootout. Charlie Coyle scored the only goal in the shootout, and Scott Wedgewood saved all three of Vegas' attempts after making 19 saves in overtime. The Golden Knights, missing Jack Eichel due to an upper-body injury, were outshot 36-21, with Akira Schmid making 34 saves, as reported by AP News.
Colorado's rally began with Valeri Nichushkin's controversial power-play goal, initially called no-goal but reversed after review, as the puck had crossed the line in Schmid's glove while in the net. Jimmy Vesey scored his first goal for the Avalanche after being traded from the New York Rangers on March 1, tying the game at 2-2 in the second period. The Golden Knights struggled on special teams, going 0 for 4 on the power play, while the Avalanche went 1 for 4.
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy addressed the team's fatigue after the second period, stating, "After the second period, we talked a bit about that. Like, 'listen, [you're] tired, end of the trip, but you got to help us through the period, right? Give us 30 seconds if you don't have a full gas tank. Whatever it is,'" as per NHL. The Avalanche won the game, securing a finish no worse than third in the Central Division. Nathan MacKinnon extended his home point streak to 26 games. The Golden Knights remain in first place in the Pacific Division. Both teams are focused on playoff positioning, with Colorado set to host Vancouver on Thursday and Vegas preparing to face Seattle.
