The Vegas Golden Knights have made a habit of winning games they have no business winning. Friday night in Denver, they did it again.

Trailing 1-0 after two periods and without top defenseman Brayden McNabb for most of the game, the Knights rallied for a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Final. Game 3 is Sunday at T-Mobile Arena.

“We’ve stuck in games and grinded it out and just battled,” goaltender Carter Hart said. “We’re never out of the fight and always in games.”

Hart has been the backbone of the Knights’ resilience, stopping all but three of Colorado’s shots through two games. The Avalanche managed just one goal Friday, and the Knights’ penalty kill and shot-blocking have been relentless.

“Our guys know what to do, I’m going to tell you that right now,” coach John Tortorella said. “No matter what’s going on. We’re going to face some things in Game 3, but we have a good room. That’s what you rest on. At least that’s what I rest on. We trust them. The biggest thing is they trust themselves.”

McNabb left the game in the first period with an injury and did not return until the third. The Knights played with five defensemen for nearly two full periods, a situation they also faced in Game 5 of the second round against Anaheim, when McNabb was ejected. Vegas won that game 3-2 in overtime.

“I think we handled it pretty well,” defenseman Dylan Coghlan said. “It feels good to get more ice time and be trusted there a little more. (McNabb) was able to come back and help us win a game. I think we’re willing to do whatever it takes.”

Center Jack Eichel echoed the sentiment: “Credit to our group. It really feels like we’re playing for each other. So many desperation plays.”

The Knights now return home with a chance to take a stranglehold on the series. They have held Colorado’s high-powered offense to just three goals in two games.