LAS VEGAS — At the outset through the beginning of the second period Monday, the Avalanche was playing like the hungrier of the two teams pushing for a playoff position. Two penalties, however, put the Avs on their heels and gave the Vegas Golden Knights all the momentum at T-Mobile Arena.
The Knights began 2-of-3 on the power play and dominated the third period in a 4-1 victory that clinched a playoff spot for the first-year expansion team. The loss was costly for Colorado, which remains in playoff position but is just one point ahead of the white-hot St.