Golden Knights Fall 4-3 to Ducks in Season Opener at T-Mobile Arena

A Second-Period Surge

The Vegas Golden Knights opened their 2026-27 campaign with a 3-4 loss to the visiting Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena. While the home side managed to score three times, their efforts were insufficient to overcome a dominant offensive display from the Ducks, who capitalized on their chances with a four-goal second period.

The game began quietly for the home crowd, as the Ducks struck first in the opening frame. Beckett Sennecke scored the initial goal, assisted by Leo Carlsson and Tristan Luneau, putting Anaheim up 1-0. The Golden Knights failed to register a goal in the first period, leaving them trailing as the second intermission approached.

Ducks Extend Lead

The momentum shifted decisively in the second period, where the Ducks outscored the Golden Knights 4-0. Alex Killorn extended the lead to 2-0 with a tip-in goal, assisted by Noah Warren and Mikael Granlund. Jeff Malott followed with a deflected shot to make it 3-0, receiving assists from Tim Washe and Jackson LaCombe.

Leo Carlsson completed the period with a snap shot goal, his second point of the game, assisted by Anthony-John (AJ) Greer and Cutter Gauthier. This burst of scoring left the Golden Knights down 4-0 heading into the final frame, a deficit that proved insurmountable despite their late efforts.

Late Rally Falls Short

The Golden Knights mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the third period, scoring three consecutive goals to cut the deficit to one. Shea Theodore opened the period with a snap shot goal, assisted by Brett Howden and Jack Eichel, bringing the score to 4-1. Tomas Hertl then added a wrist shot goal, assisted by Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel, to make it 4-2.

Braeden Bowman provided the final goal for Vegas with a wrist shot, assisted by Victor Olofsson and Brayden McNabb, closing the gap to 4-3. However, time ran out before the home team could equalize. Jack Eichel finished with two assists, while Tomas Hertl and Leo Carlsson each recorded one goal and one assist for their respective teams.

Season Records

With the loss, the Golden Knights drop to a 1-1-0 record with two points. The Ducks improve to 1-0-0, also holding two points. The attendance at T-Mobile Arena was 17,619. This result sets the stage for both teams as they continue their early-season schedules, with the Ducks taking the opening-day victory in their matchup against Las Vegas.

Sources

ESPN