The Vegas Golden Knights failed to replicate their home play in their first four games on the road this season.
Early on against the Edmonton Oilers, it looked like the Golden Knights weren’t going to get the bounces they needed to win.
Luckily for them, defenseman Noah Hanifin came to the rescue, scoring twice in a Vegas 4-2 victory against the Oilers at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday.
“It was starting to get almost in our head a little bit,” Hanifin said. “When you play on the road, you grind those games out. Be responsible defensively. We were looking to do that tonight. We had a really good defensive effort. That’s how you win road games.”
It was the Golden Knights’ first victory on the road this season (1-3-1), while improving the team to 9-3-1 on the season.
Here are some takeaways from the game:
Hanifin’s Continues Breakout
Since beating the buzzer in the second period against Utah, Hanifin has looked more comfortable, especially in the offensive zone.
Against the Oilers, he scored twice, including the game-winner with 50 seconds remaining. He scored three points (all assists) through the first 11 games, but has five points in the last two (three goals, two assist).
Hanifin is also plus-9 since changing defensive partners on Oct. 22, after starting the first six games at minus-3.
“He just moves so well. When he’s moving, he’s playing well. He’s breaking pucks out. HE can break it out on his own,” Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb said. “We’ve seen that. Offensively, it’s there. He’s playing awesome right now, and it’s great to see.”
King of the Hill
Adin Hill made 27 saves, but none were bigger than his save against Oilers forward Viktor Arvidsson at 18:25 of the third period.
The save kept the game 2-1 at the time, but it was the epitome of how Hill played throughout the night. Hill made timely saves throughout the game to keep the game within reach.
“He played awesome. ‘Hillsy’ was great, especially when you’re talking about the Arvidsson one,” McNabb said. “It’s good to reward him for that save.”
Hill has been solid for the Golden Knights recently. He’s surrendered six goals in the last 11 periods of work (1.62 goals allowed).
“He’s been great,” McNabb said.
Golden Knights’ Timely Power Play
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy doesn’t count how many power play goals his team scores rather when they’re scored.
The Golden Knights had two opportunities with the man-advantage, but they cashed in when they needed to when Hanifin scored at 10:05 in the third period.
“It’s not necessarily the number. It’s when you get the goal. You could score two in one night when you’re behind five or up three or four. They don’t matter as much,” Cassidy said.” That one was a big one for us. The timing of the power play matters more than necessarily the numbers.”
Vegas is converting on 34 percent of its power plays this season, which is good for third in the NHL. The Golden Knights converted just 20.2 percent last season.
Containing McDavid
Oilers star Connor McDavid returned after missing the past three with an ankle injury.
The Golden Knights did a good job at defending McDavid, limiting him to just two shots on goal and no points.
“There’s no secrets,” Cassidy said. “If you can minimize his speed through the neutral zone, then he’s forced to kick pucks out, and at least it’s his wingers making plays as opposed to him backing you off. We tried to dot that [Leon] Draisaitl as well. Tonight, we were successful.”
Former first-round pick finally hitting his stride with Golden Knights
Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.
