Cale Makar remains out of the Western Conference Final.

The Colorado Avalanche looked like the club that has dominated opponents all year at times Wednesday night, but not for long enough and not soon enough.

Truth is, the Avs have no choice, but to win Game 2. They are another off night from the rink becoming the brink.

Logan O’Connor came within an inch of opening the Western Conference Final scoring in the first period Wednesday night.

The Golden Knights did not get the message that the Avs were to be feared on home ice.

The Colorado Avalanche lost Game 1 of the NHL Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, Wednesday, 20, 2026.

The Golden Knights had better juice, better goaltending, better coaching, better special te