Golden Knights Avalanche Hockey

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Dylan Coghlan, center, reacts after scoring a goal as Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson, left, and defenseman Josh Manson cover during the second period in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Denver.

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An unlikely hero breaks through as the Golden Knights beat the Avalanche 4-2 in Game 1

An unlikely hero breaks through as the Golden Knights beat the Avalanche 4-2 in Game 1

A Western Conference Final loaded with offensive firepower was ignited by the unlikeliest of sparkplugs. Dylan Coghlan’s wrist shot under Scott Wedgewood’s legs ended a scoreless deadlock and helped the Vegas Golden Knights steal home ice from the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche with a 4-2 statement win Wednesday night at Ball Arena. It was Coghlan’s first career playoff goal, his fist score in nearly five years and just his seventh net-finder of his career. Adding to his big night, the 28-year-old defenseman made a terrific breakup of a 3-on-2 breakaway that kept the Avalanche scuffling to find the net themselves. Coghlan had 14 goals in 62 games this season for Henderson in the American Hockey League. He was scoreless in three regular-season games for Vegas.