Vegas put on a defensive clinic at 5v5 against Colorado in Game 4.

These clips show all of COL’s 5v5 shots on goal, excluding two scoring chances where they were actually able to get inside. Outside of those moments, Vegas consistently defended with five players inside, protecting the middle of the ice, reloaded hard above the puck, and kept four or five players in strong defensive position.

They forced Colorado to play to the outside off the rush, limited clean access to the slot, and made shot quality extremely difficult to generate. When the Avalanche did get pucks to the net, most were from the perimeter, with clear sightlines for Hart and very little opportunity for second chances or rebounds.

What stood out most was how connected Vegas was without the puck. Their layers were tight, their tracking pressure was consistent, and their defensive-zone coverage forced Colorado into low-danger plays instead of allowing them to build momentum through the middle of the ice.

And this does not even include the number of turnovers and scoring chances Vegas created up ice off their forecheck and through the neutral zone.

A complete 5v5 defensive performance: protect the middle, reload above the puck, force outside shots, and turn defensive structure into offence.