In a pivotal Game 4, the Anaheim Ducks overcame a previous blowout loss to defeat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3, evening the series behind key goals from Alex Killorn and rookie Beckett Sennecke, while finally solving Vegas’ formidable penalty kill.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks delivered a statement performance in Game 4 of their second-round NHL playoff series, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 to knot the series at two games apiece. This victory wasn’t just about evenizing the score; it was a display of resilience, youth, and tactical adjustment that could define the remainder of the series.
The Ducks, making their first playoff appearance since 2018, responded to a disheartening 6-2 loss in Game 3 with a mature two-way effort. Alex Killorn and Beckett Sennecke each recorded a goal and an assist, while rookie Ian Moore scored his first career playoff goal. Cutter Gauthier contributed three assists, and Mikael Granlund also found the net. Goaltender Lukas Dostal made 18 saves in a strong bounce-back after being pulled in Game 3.
What truly shifted the momentum was the Ducks’ power play, which had been anemic throughout the series. Anaheim went 0-for-11 on the power play before Game 4, but cashed in twice against a Vegas penalty kill that had allowed only one goal in its first nine postseason games. Sennecke opened the scoring with a power-play goal, ending a streak of 21 straight kills by the Golden Knights in the playoffs. Killorn later added a tiebreaking power-play goal late in the second period.
Sennecke’s performance is particularly noteworthy. The 20-year-old Calder Trophy finalist has now scored in three consecutive playoff games, joining Sidney Crosby (2007) as the only players under 21 with a three-game postseason goal streak in the 21st century. This consistency from a rookie in high-pressure situations underscores the Ducks’ bright future and their current threat.
For the Golden Knights, the loss highlights several concerns. They played without captain Mark Stone, who suffered an injury in Game 3 [source]. His absence was felt in both defensive structure and offensive transition. Additionally, their previously stifling penalty kill was finally breached, and goaltender Carter Hart had some shaky moments despite making 19 saves. Pavel Dorofeyev and Brett Howden scored for Vegas, with Howden netting his seventh goal of the postseason off a slick setup from former Ducks draft pick William Karlsson.
The Ducks also made strategic lineup changes, inserting puck-moving defenseman Olen Zellweger for his playoff debut and his first game action since April 7. Moore and forward Mason McTavish also returned after healthy scratches, adding energy and depth.
Despite a late push by Vegas—Tomas Hertl scored with 1:04 left while Hart was pulled for an extra attacker—Anaheim held on for the crucial win. This resilience is a hallmark of a team finding its playoff footing.
From a fan perspective, this win fuels theories about the Ducks’ potential to advance deep into the playoffs. Their blend of veteran leadership—Killorn, Granlund—and young stars like Sennecke and Gauthier suggests they can compete with any team. For Vegas, questions loom about their depth and ability to win without their captain. Trade rumors and lineup adjustments will dominate discussions until Game 5.
Looking ahead, Game 5 is Tuesday night in Las Vegas, with Game 6 back in Anaheim on Thursday. The series is now a best-of-three, with the Ducks having seized home-ice advantage. The Golden Knights must quickly adjust their penalty kill and find a way to compensate for Stone’s absence if they hope to advance.
In summary, Game 4 was a turning point. The Ducks didn’t just win; they demonstrated they can adapt and execute under pressure, particularly on the power play. The Golden Knights must regroup quickly to avoid falling behind in the series. This matchup has evolved into a classic playoff battle, with each game revealing new layers of strategy and resilience.
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