It started with the newly-extended Martin Necas scoring off a beautiful seam pass from Cale Makar to make it 1-0. The Vegas Golden Knights were still in it and were sealing the boards to prevent exits. So far, so good. You're just down a goal.
But the second period comes and Brock Nelson scores on a breakaway. 2-0 Avalanche. Now things are getting spooky. You're seeing hitchhiking ghosts at the Clown Hotel, indicating that some real sh*t's about to go down. After two, what's a team to do? Do they channel their inner New Jersey Devils and fire off four unanswered goals like New Jersey did against Colorado?
Well, they got one from Tomas Hertl on the power play. Mitch Marner also got a goal on a weird sequence. However, that was it as the Golden Knights lost, 4-2.
Look, you knew that this day would come. The Golden Knights would lose one game at T-Mobile Arena in regulation. But now, you have a regular season. Now, the fun begins and you don't have to worry about an immaculate run.
Still, it was a scary game for the home team. The Avalanche were skating up and down the ice like floating banshees, haunting Carl Lindbom all game. The rookie netminder stood his ground, only to be overwhelmed by werewolves and vampires on the breakaway. All of this scaring on Nevada Day, too!
But let's look at some things on this Nevada Day/Halloween hybrid celebration. How did Carl Lindbom do in his second start? What caused the Golden Knights to lose against a solid Avalanche team?
The Vegas Golden Knights power play was like candy corn against the Colorado Avalanche
In the first three power plays, the Golden Knights tried sticking it out with Shea Theodore. It generated nothing and even led to the Brock Nelson goal as the power play expired. So what did Bruce Cassidy do? He went to an five-forward group.
That meant bumping Theodore down, putting Mitch Marner up high, and promoting William Karlsson to the top unit. Even that didn't work, leaving the Golden Knights without much bite.
Golden Knights power play:
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) October 31, 2025
With Mark Stone: 9-for-24 (37.5%)
Without Mark Stone: 1-for-17 (5.9%)
Sure, Tomas Hertl got one of his patented power play goals. However, going 1-for-6 on the power play doesn't inspire much confidence in the unit. That's especially true when you're missing Mark Stone.
Colorado kept handing Vegas "golden" opportunities on a silver platter to get back into the game. However, errant passes and awful puck control gave the Avalanche more chances to pounce. That can't happen against Stanley Cup contenders like Colorado if you're looking to win another title.
Grading Carl Lindbom's second start for the Golden Knights
Honestly, Carl Lindbom wasn't as solid on Friday as he was against the Tampa Bay Lightning. While he was strong against superstars like Necas and MacKinnon, he was overwhelmed by a fast Avalanche rush.
Granted, that's expected for a young goaltender. He's not used to facing strong offensive attacks in succession. That's where you must give him credit, specifically against one of the league's best lineups.
The stats might show a save percentage below .900 (22 of 25 saves). However, the grade will be a "B" since he did well against another playoff team. Lindbom's uprising will have the Golden Knights' front office thinking long and hard about his future, specifically with a loaded goaltending room.