Mitch Marner cautious of Avalanche ‘firepower’ after Vegas wins Game 3
· Yahoo Sports
Mitch Marner remained cautious despite the Vegas Golden Knights moving within one win of the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas is now in control after a dramatic 5-3 comeback victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the NHL‘s Western Conference Final.
The Golden Knights erased a 3-0 first-period deficit Sunday night to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Marner recorded two assists in the win and continued his dominant postseason run. Through 15 playoff games, the star winger has collected seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points while contributing heavily on both special teams units.
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Speaking after the game, Marner focused less on the comeback and more on the challenge still ahead.
“I think we’re just getting everyone to buy in,” Marner said. “Every single line is doing their job and doing their thing and contributing on the ice, so that’s all you can ask for.”
Marner also made it clear Vegas is not overlooking Colorado despite the series score. He repeatedly pointed toward the Avalanche’s offensive depth and ability to shift momentum.
“We still got a lot of work left to go,” Marner said. “The next one is going to be hard, and we know that. So, like i said, we are playing a hell of a hockey team over there, we know they are not going to roll over, they got a lot of firepower, they are going to come with everything next game. So, gotta go home, take care of yourself and be ready for the next one.”
Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche fight during the third period in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
That mindset reflects the identity Vegas has built throughout this playoff run. The Golden Knights continue winning through structure, depth, and discipline rather than relying on one line to carry offense. Vegas has now overcome deficits in back-to-back games against Colorado and continues to find production throughout the lineup.
Mitch Marner’s impact in the playoffs and the Avalanche series
Marner’s impact for Vegas remains central to that success. So far, he has 3 points against the Avalanche in this series, all assists, and has logged nearly 22 minutes with a +2 rating.
Beyond his scoring numbers, he has become one of Vegas’ most trusted all-situations players. He leads all postseason skaters with four shorthanded points and continues logging heavy defensive assignments while driving transition offense.
Still, Marner emphasized composure over celebration after Game 3.
“It was a grind,” Marner said. “I think we spoke about it since day one. We knew we were playing this team. It’s a hell of a team we’re playing against. We respect them a lot, but respect ourselves too. So, I think we talked about it all year.
“We always know that we have a chance in a game regardless of the score. I think we just put our nose down to the grindstone there and just went to work.”
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Vegas now heads into Game 4 with a chance to complete a sweep, but Marner’s comments showed little interest in looking ahead.