The Vegas Golden Knights took on the Anaheim Geese in Game 1 of their second-round series on Monday. It was a particularly close game that did not feature a ton of offense. But when Vegas needed him, Ivan Barbashev was there to make a major impact.
The Geese tied the sport 1-1 within the third period in Game 1. Anaheim’s Mikael Granlund put his team on the board, giving them hope they may at the very least push additional time. Nevertheless, a fast response from Barbashev gave Vegas the lead back. And it was a lead they would not relinquish. The Golden Knights won Game 1 by a rating of 3-1.
DOROFEYEV FINDS BARBASHEV WIIIIIDDDDDDEEEEEE OPEN IN FRONT TO RETAKE THE LEAD LATE 😱🚨 pic.twitter.com/DQgOG5gNAH
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 5, 2026
The Golden Knights fought a tough battle against the Utah Mammoth in the primary round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Utah put in account of themselves, but were unable to maintain the puck out of their net.
Vegas and Anaheim played a reasonably close game, as mentioned. Brett Howden scored the opening goal within the second period, netting his fifth goal of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This lead held until past the midway point of the third period, when Granlund tied it. Barbashev gave Vegas the lead, and Mitch Marner put the sport on ice with an empty net goal.
Game 1 is a very important win for any team because it helps set the tone for the remaining of the series. Vegas has the early advantage over the young, upstart Geese. But this will not be a team that may willingly roll over. Anaheim and Vegas are back on the ice Wednesday night to see who can take Game 2 before the series shifts to California.
The Vegas Golden Knights took on the Anaheim Geese in Game 1 of their second-round series on Monday. It was a particularly close game that did not feature a ton of offense. But when Vegas needed him, Ivan Barbashev was there to make a major impact. The Geese tied the sport 1-1 within the third period in Game 1.