The Golden Knights completed their longest road trip of the season with a 3-0-1 record, collecting seven of a possible eight points over four games. Coach Ryan Craig noted the team is "winning hockey games in different ways, which is important" as they prepare for a five-game homestand starting Wednesday against the Utah Mammoth.
Rookie Trevor Connelly emerged as a key storyline, scoring in each of the first three games — all in the third period — including the game-winner in Detroit. His play earned him a promotion to the top line alongside Mark Stone and Jack Eichel for Sunday's game in Buffalo, where the trio outshot the Sabres 13-11 and held a 6-3 edge in scoring chances. "I think it's just growing up in different situations," Connelly said. "Those things get you prepared for these next levels. Just trusting my abilities and giving my best effort."
Goaltenders Adin Hill and Carter Hart split the starts evenly and posted nearly identical numbers. Hart stopped 25 of 26 shots in Detroit, while Hill made 28 saves on 29 shots in Buffalo. Both finished the trip with save percentages above .940 and goals-against averages at 1.50 or lower. "Finding a way to get seven out of eight points is huge. You'll take that 10 times out of 10," Hill said.
Tomas Hertl led the offense with six points, including two multi-goal games. He scored on the power play and at even strength, with his two goals Sunday coming as Buffalo attempted a rally. Hertl now has nine goals on the season, one behind Stone for the team lead. "It's never easy to play on the road. It was a long trip. We were in Buffalo for three days," Hertl said. "Everybody's excited to get home."
The Knights scored just 11 goals total on the trip and received no goals from their six defensemen, who combined for four assists. While the scoring drought isn't considered alarming given the results, it remains an area to watch nearly a quarter of the way through the season.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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