The Vegas Golden Knights have made a habit of closing out series in Game 6, and they’ll carry that trend into the Western Conference final against the Colorado Avalanche. The Knights have won six consecutive Game 6s, including two this postseason against the Utah Hockey Club and the Anaheim Ducks, both by identical 5-1 scores.
That streak now sets up a matchup with the Avalanche, beginning Wednesday in Denver. The Knights advanced by defeating the Ducks in Game 6 at Honda Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026, sealing the series 4-2.
Coach John Tortorella credits his team’s ability to stay even-keeled. “Both the (Utah and Anaheim) series, we’ve had some ups and downs, some peaks and valleys,” Tortorella said. “I think that’s one of the biggest strengths of our team — handling that. It’s why you improve in a seven-game series. You just stay away from it.”
In Game 6 against Anaheim, the Knights jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first period, never giving the Ducks a chance to breathe. Forward Brett Howden noted the team’s mentality: “I really liked the way we came out in the sense we weren’t waiting for something to happen. We came out and initiated play. We were ready to go these last few Game 6s.”
Goaltender Carter Hart has been a key factor in close-out games, posting a .918 save percentage and 2.37 goals-against average over his last seven appearances. Tortorella praised Hart’s mental growth: “To me, with him, it’s his mental growth. His play speaks for itself. I think his preparation and how he has handled a couple situations he has gone through in both series, bouncing right back — to me that’s (mental).”
The Knights finished the regular season on a 7-0-1 run after Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy on March 29, and that momentum has carried into the playoffs. Defenseman Noah Hanifin emphasized the importance of preparation: “I think a lot of our guys who have a lot of playoff experience know how important those games are. Those games are about being prepared and building as the series goes on.”
Now, the Knights face their toughest test yet in the Avalanche. If the series reaches a Game 6, history suggests Vegas will be ready.
