NHL Western Conference Game 4 Semi-Finals Preview: Vegas Golden Knights (2-1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (1-2)

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Anaheim Ducks logo

Venue: Honda Center — Anaheim, California

Puck Drop: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET

Series: Vegas leads 2–1 (Best‑of‑7)

Broadcast: ESPN / Sportsnet / Bally Sports West / KnightTime+

VENUE CONTEXT — HONDA CENTER

  • Ducks are 4–2 at home this postseason
  • Vegas has won five of their last seven road playoff games
  • Anaheim’s crowd has been a major factor in early‑game momentum

Impact: Anaheim tends to start fast at home, but Vegas’ veteran core has consistently weathered early surges.

INJURY REPORT

Vegas Golden Knights

  • Jack Eichel — Healthy
  • Mark Stone — Healthy
  • Shea Theodore — Day‑to‑Day (upper‑body)
  • Logan Thompson — Healthy

Impact: Theodore’s status is critical — Vegas’ breakout and power‑play efficiency drop significantly without him.

Anaheim Ducks

  • Leo Carlsson — Healthy
  • Troy Terry — Day‑to‑Day (lower‑body)
  • Mason McTavish — Healthy
  • Lukas Dostal — Healthy

Impact: Terry’s availability affects Anaheim’s top‑six scoring and transition game. Dostal has been excellent despite heavy shot volume.

TEAM RECORDS & SERIES SNAPSHOT

Vegas Golden Knights (2–1)

  • Regular Season: 46–28–8
  • Playoffs: 6–3 overall
  • Goal Differential in Series: +4

Anaheim Ducks (1–2)

  • Regular Season: 42–34–6
  • Playoffs: 5–6 overall
  • Goal Differential in Series: -4

Trend: Vegas has controlled the pace and physicality, while Anaheim has relied on counterattacks and goaltending.

RECENT TEAM FORM

Vegas Golden Knights

  • Eichel averaging 1.22 PPG this postseason
  • Stone driving possession and forecheck pressure
  • Vegas averaging 3.3 goals per game in playoffs
  • Penalty kill at 86%
  • Defensive structure tightening after Game 1 lapses

Anaheim Ducks

  • Carlsson emerging as a playoff force
  • McTavish generating high‑danger chances
  • Ducks averaging 2.9 goals per game in playoffs
  • Power play at 21%
  • Dostal facing heavy shot volume (33+ per game)

SERIES HISTORY

  • Vegas leads series 2–1
  • Last 10 meetings (all games): Vegas leads 7–3
  • At Honda Center: Vegas has won 4 of last 6
  • Ducks’ only win this series came from a strong defensive effort and elite goaltending

Trend: Vegas’ depth and physicality have consistently overwhelmed Anaheim over the past two seasons.

PROJECTED GOALTENDING MATCHUP

VEGAS — Logan Thompson

  • Playoff Stats: 2.48 GAA, .918 SV%
  • Last 3 Starts: .925 SV%
  • Strengths: Calm positioning, excellent rebound control
  • Weaknesses: Occasional issues with lateral movement

Matchup Note: Anaheim’s east‑west passing plays will test Thompson’s mobility.

ANAHEIM — Lukas Dostal

  • Playoff Stats: 2.92 GAA, .914 SV%
  • Last 3 Starts: .918 SV%
  • Strengths: Athletic, strong glove hand
  • Weaknesses: Can be overwhelmed by sustained pressure

Matchup Note: Vegas’ cycle game and net‑front presence are major challenges for Dostal.

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

Jack Eichel (VGK) vs. Leo Carlsson (ANA)

  • Eichel’s two‑way dominance vs. Carlsson’s emerging star power
  • Eichel has controlled the matchup so far
  • Advantage: Vegas

Mark Stone (VGK) vs. Troy Terry (ANA)

  • Stone’s elite defensive instincts vs. Terry’s creativity
  • If Terry is limited, Anaheim loses a key playmaker
  • Advantage: Vegas

Mason McTavish (ANA) vs. Vegas Bottom‑Six

  • McTavish has been Anaheim’s most consistent forward
  • Vegas’ depth lines have struggled to contain him
  • Advantage: Anaheim

BETTING TRENDS

Vegas Golden Knights

  • 6–3 in last 9 playoff games
  • 5–2 in last 7 road games
  • Unders hit in 4 of last 6
  • 7–3 in last 10 vs. Anaheim

Anaheim Ducks

  • 3–6 in last 9
  • Overs hit in 5 of last 7
  • 2–5 in last 7 vs. Vegas
  • 1–4 in last 5 as home underdog

Series Trends

  • Vegas out‑shooting Anaheim 98–79
  • Special teams nearly even
  • Two of three games decided by 2+ goals

Game Odds

Vegas Golden Knights    – 122

Anaheim Ducks                 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 9, 2026

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