Silver Knights clinch playoff berth for first time since 2022

Henderson's AHL team scores twice late to defeat Tucson Roadrunners 5-4 and secure Calder Cup Playoffs spot.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:19am

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The Henderson Silver Knights scored twice in the final 1:26 to defeat the Tucson Roadrunners 5-4 at Lee's Family Forum on Saturday, clinching their first trip to the Calder Cup Playoffs since 2022. Defenseman Dylan Coghlan tied the game with 1:26 remaining, and winger Braeden Bowman scored the game-winner with 15 seconds left to secure the victory.

Why it matters

The Silver Knights' playoff berth marks a significant milestone for the team, which had missed the postseason for the past four years. The win also boosts the team's standing in the Pacific Division, where they now sit in fourth place with six games remaining.

The details

The Silver Knights needed a regulation win to clinch their playoff spot. After trailing 4-3 late in the game, they pulled their goaltender Carl Lindbom and got the tying goal from Coghlan with 1:26 left. Bowman then scored the game-winner with just 15 seconds remaining to give the Knights the 5-4 victory.

  • The Silver Knights scored twice in the final 1:26 to defeat the Tucson Roadrunners on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Knights beat Tucson 4-3 on Friday, April 4, 2026 with a late goal from defenseman Viliam Kmec.

The players

Dylan Coghlan

A defenseman for the Henderson Silver Knights who scored the game-tying goal with 1:26 remaining in the game.

Braeden Bowman

A winger for the Henderson Silver Knights who scored the game-winning goal with 15 seconds left to secure the 5-4 victory.

Viliam Kmec

A defenseman for the Henderson Silver Knights who scored the game-winning goal with less than 30 seconds left in the team's 4-3 victory over Tucson on Friday.

Carl Lindbom

The goaltender for the Henderson Silver Knights who was pulled late in the game to allow the team to score the tying and winning goals.

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What’s next

The Silver Knights have six regular season games remaining before the start of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

The Silver Knights' dramatic comeback win not only clinched their first playoff berth in four years, but also boosted their position in the Pacific Division standings. This resilient performance showcases the team's ability to win close games and sets them up well for a potential deep playoff run.