LAS VEGAS – Tomas Hertl’s go-ahead goal in the third period proved decisive as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-1 on Monday night. The victory, fueled by a stellar 31-save performance from goaltender Adin Hill, underscored why Vegas remains a dominant force in the NHL.
The Ducks managed to equalize in the second period with Mason McTavish’s goal, but Hertl’s pivotal play shifted the momentum firmly back in Vegas’ favor. Taking a perfectly timed pass from Jack Eichel, Hertl showcased his finesse by slipping the puck past Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal with a smooth backhand maneuver.
First-Period Action
Vegas struck early, capitalizing on a short-handed opportunity. Tanner Pearson opened the scoring in the first period, delivering a critical blow to Anaheim’s momentum. The Golden Knights’ aggressive forechecking and penalty-kill efficiency set the tone early.
However, the Ducks faced an unexpected setback when starting goaltender John Gibson had to leave the game midway through the opening period. Gibson was accidentally poked in the eye with the blade of a stick by Vegas forward Tanner Laczynski, forcing Anaheim to call on Lukas Dostal. Gibson stopped all 11 shots he faced before exiting, while Dostal made 19 saves in relief.
Ducks’ Challenges
The Ducks faced further adversity when forward Brock McGinn left the game with a lower-body injury after a collision with Hertl along the boards. This forced Anaheim to reshuffle their lines, with fourth-line winger Brett Leason taking on additional responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, Anaheim came close to swinging the game in their favor during the second period. A bizarre sequence saw Alex Killorn dump the puck into Vegas’ zone, which then ricocheted off a linesman’s skate and rolled dangerously close to the Golden Knights’ goal. Hill scrambled to recover, and when the puck found its way to Anaheim rookie Leo Carlsson, the forward missed a wide-open net, firing his backhand shot wide right.
Vegas Seals the Deal
Vegas solidified their victory in the third period, with Keegan Kolesar scoring the team’s third goal to provide insurance. The Golden Knights’ defense held firm in the final minutes, keeping Anaheim from mounting a comeback.
Hertl’s game-winning goal not only highlighted his skill but also reflected the chemistry between him and Jack Eichel. Their partnership continues to be a key asset for the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Key Stats and Milestones
Monday’s game marked a historic achievement for Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, who recorded his 119th win behind the Vegas bench. Cassidy now holds the record for most wins by a head coach in franchise history, surpassing previous benchmarks for a team founded in 2016. The former Jack Adams Award winner has a career record of 119-59-20 over three seasons with Vegas.
For Anaheim, Dostal’s workload was remarkable. Coming off a grueling 65-minute overtime victory in Salt Lake City the night before, the young netminder logged another 39 minutes and 37 seconds in relief of Gibson, totaling 104 minutes and 37 seconds of play in less than 24 hours. His resilience was commendable, even as the Ducks fell short.
Up Next
The Ducks will look to regroup as they return home to host the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights head to San Jose for a Pacific Division showdown against the Sharks on Friday night.
Takeaways
Ducks: Anaheim’s depth was tested as they dealt with multiple injuries and relied on their younger players to fill critical roles. The missed opportunities, particularly Carlsson’s open-net chance, and the absence of key contributors like McGinn and Gibson highlighted the challenges Anaheim faces in maintaining consistency.
Golden Knights: Vegas continues to thrive under Cassidy’s leadership, leveraging their depth and disciplined play. The team’s ability to weather momentum shifts and capitalize on crucial opportunities, as seen in Hertl’s goal, underscores why they remain a contender this season.
The game showcased the resilience of both teams, but it was Vegas’ composure and execution in critical moments that ultimately secured their victory. As the season unfolds, the Golden Knights look poised to continue their dominant run, while the Ducks will seek answers to their growing list of challenges.
