Forward Tomáš Hertl scored the game-winning goal in the Vegas Golden Knights’ 3-1 victory against the Anaheim Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on Monday.
Hertl had a phenomenal game, tallying five shots on goal with an expected goals of .738, according to Moneypuck.com.
It also marked the first time he played alongside center William Karlsson for a full game.
The duo seem to have some chemistry, prompting Hertl to call his former rival “underrated.”
“He’s the underrated player all around the league, and he’s just such a good two-way player,” Hertl said. “He’s great on the faceoff; he’s great defensively. He can make plays.”
For Hertl, it’s been a slow going adjusting to how the Golden Knights play. He’s played center and on the wing, but has seem to have found a place alongside Karlsson and Keegan Kolesar.
“He’s fitting in better in terms of the style we want to play. I mean, it takes a while,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “One of those things where good players are going to find their game. He was hot at the start, especially in the power play. They’ve taken a little bit of that away, though he had one good look tonight there from the bumper. He’s been going to the net well, lots of chances. I’m sure he’d tell you he’s probably felt a little snake bit lately. So, good on him to stick with it and get to the net.”
WATCH: Golden Knights forward likes playing with former rival
Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.
