Vegas Golden Knights right wing Alexander Holtz (26) reacts after failing to make a goal in a shootout against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period of an NHL hockey game at T-Mobile Arena Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. The Avalanche defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 6-5. Photo by:
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 | 10:31 p.m.
The Golden Knights surrendered a two-goal lead in the third period before falling 6-5 to the NHL’s points-leading Colorado Avalanche in a shootout.
Alexander Holtz and Ivan Barbashev scored to stake Vegas to a 2-0 advantage.
After Colorado tied the game, Ben Hutton and Brett Howden struck within 30 seconds of each other to restore the Golden Knights’ two-goal cushion at 4-2 heading into the final frame.
The Avalanche stormed back with three goals in the third period, capped by Artturi Lehkonen’s tally with 1:57 remaining to force overtime.
Colorado prevailed 2-1 in the shootout as Holtz, Reilly Smith, and Pavel Dorofeyev all missed their attempts for Vegas. Mitch Marner scored his for the Golden Knights.
Noah Hanifin led the Golden Knights with two assists, while Holtz recorded a goal and an assist.