Chris Kreider (via Getty Images) The Anaheim Ducks snapped their mini-slump and handed the struggling Vegas Golden Knights another setback with a 4-3 win on Sunday night at Honda Center. With a two-goal night from Chris Kreider, the Anaheim Ducks quickly jumped out to an early lead and just barely held off a late charge from the Vegas Golden Knights, further clouding the Western Conference playoff race.The Anaheim Ducks needed the win but the loss for the Vegas Golden Knights is just the latest in a concerning pattern as they continue to have trouble finishing off games and gaining an early advantage on a consistent basis.
Anaheim Ducks jump out to early lead and hold off late charge by Vegas Golden Knights
NHL Highlights | Golden Knights vs. Ducks – February 1, 2026
The Anaheim Ducks did not wait long to establish dominance, striking first in the middle of the first period. Chris Kreider scored the first goal of the game in a messy Vegas Golden Knights attack, tapping a deflected centering pass past the Vegas defense. The goal marked the eighth time in the last 10 games that Vegas has given up the first goal of the game.Anaheim extended its lead in the second period with Kreider’s second goal of the night, this time highlighting his presence in the crease. He was perfectly placed to redirect a point shot past goaltender Adin Hill, giving Anaheim a 2-0 advantage. Shortly after, Anaheim extended its lead to 3-0 as Cutter Gauthier scored a power-play snapshot from the right circle. Anaheim finished off the win late when Ryan Poehling scored on an empty net with just over a minute to go, his goal proving to be the difference as Tomas Hertl scored with six seconds left to pull Vegas within one. Dostal finished with 27 saves, making key stops throughout the third-period push.Poehling finished with a goal and an assist, while Jacob Trouba contributed two assists from the blue line. The Ducks also received a boost from the return of Troy Terry, who dished out two assists in his first game back after missing 11 games due to injury.Vegas, on the other hand, saw its fifth consecutive loss and its seventh defeat in the last eight games, a trend that is growing increasingly worrisome as the season wears on. Anaheim, on the other hand, will likely carry over the momentum from this win as they regain their confidence and flow at a pivotal point in the season.