Brock Nelson's empty-net goal helped close out a tense Game 3 as the Avalanche took control of the series. The Kings' late goalie pull drew heavy criticism, while Colorado's depth, defense, and timely finishing made the difference.
nhl playoffsbrock nelsoncolorado avalanchelos angeles kingsempty-net goalgoalie pull
Brock Nelson delivered the finishing touch in a playoff game that turned on one of the strangest late decisions of the night. His empty-net goal sealed a Colorado win and left Los Angeles staring at a 3-0 series hole after another frustrating defeat.
The goal itself was simple enough. Nelson, who has built a reputation as a reliable two-way center, scored into an empty net after the Kings' late push fell apart. But the bigger story was how the game reached that point. Los Angeles spent valuable time in the offensive zone, then waited too long to pull its goalie, and when the extra attacker finally came on, the puck was no longer under control. The result was a turnover, a clean finish, and a swing that effectively ended the night.
That sequence drew immediate criticism because the timing made little sense. The Kings had possession and pressure in the attacking zone, yet the goalie stayed in net. Once the puck moved out and the pressure broke, the pull came too late. It was the kind of decision that can define a playoff game, especially for a team already struggling to generate enough offense. Instead of creating one final dangerous chance, Los Angeles gave up the insurance goal that put the result beyond reach.
The broader frustration for the Kings was not just the late mistake, but the way the series has unfolded as a whole. Los Angeles has had stretches where it looked competitive, even dangerous, but it has repeatedly failed to convert chances. The club has been outmatched by Colorado's pace, structure, and finishing ability, yet the margin has often felt narrower than the series score suggests. That has made the losses sting even more.
Colorado, meanwhile, has not needed to play its most explosive hockey to take control. The Avalanche have leaned on strong goaltending, disciplined defense, and depth scoring when needed. Scott Wedgewood, in particular, has been praised for keeping the team steady, while the rest of the lineup has done enough to capitalize on mistakes. Even when the Kings have produced pressure or outshot Colorado in stretches, the Avalanche have found ways to survive and then strike at the right moments.
There was also appreciation for the way Colorado handled the game's more physical stretches. The Kings were chippy and kept pushing, but the Avalanche did not get rattled. A late Kings goal briefly tightened things, only for Colorado to answer and restore control almost immediately. That response mattered. In playoff hockey, momentum can change quickly, and Colorado consistently seemed to have a counter ready.
Brock Nelson's role in the win fits that pattern. He is not always the loudest or flashiest player on the ice, but he is the kind of forward who can finish a game when it matters. The empty-net goal was unremarkable in the box score and decisive in the standings. It also summed up the night: Colorado stayed organized, waited for its opening, and punished a bad decision at the exact right time.
For Los Angeles, the series has exposed deeper concerns that go beyond one coaching call. The Kings have been criticized for being too old, too slow, and too committed to a defensive style that no longer feels sustainable. The roster has been described as a group that needs more youth, speed, and offensive talent. There is also growing pressure on the front office, which has been accused of delaying necessary changes and building a team that can defend for stretches but cannot consistently score when the games tighten.
The late-game goalie pull only sharpened those concerns. It was not just a bad tactical choice. It became a symbol of a team that cannot seem to get the details right when the stakes rise. A playoff team needs urgency, clarity, and execution. The Kings instead looked disorganized at the exact moment they needed precision.
There were individual disappointments as well. Veterans such as Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty have come under scrutiny for their play and for the larger question of how long the core can remain intact. Kopitar's presence has faded at times in the series, and some have already started to wonder whether this could be one of his final games in Kings colors. The emotional weight of that possibility hangs over the team, especially with another early exit looking increasingly likely.
At the same time, Colorado has looked comfortable enough to make the series feel almost inevitable. Even when the Avalanche have not been at their sharpest, they have still appeared to be the better team in key areas. They have defended well, gotten timely saves, and made the Kings pay for mistakes. That combination has been enough to create a gap that Los Angeles has not been able to close.
Nelson's empty-net goal may not be remembered as a highlight-reel moment, but it captured the edge Colorado has carried through the series. The Avalanche did not need to overwhelm the Kings. They only needed patience, structure, and the ability to finish when the opening came. Nelson provided that finish, and the result left Los Angeles with more questions than answers.
