Tomas Hertl did not just have a good week. He authored one that explained exactly why the Vegas Golden Knights believe their season is trending in the right direction.
On Monday, the NHL named Hertl its First Star of the Week after a dominant four-game stretch in which the Golden Knights went unbeaten and reclaimed control atop the Pacific Division. The honor followed a week that ended Sunday night in San Jose, where Hertl delivered a five-point performance against his former team and left little doubt about his impact.
A week that changed games
Hertl led the NHL with nine points in four games, finishing the week with three goals and six assists as Vegas posted a perfect record. The production was timely and varied, coming at even strength, on the power play, and in decisive moments.
His week began with a 4-3 comeback win against Winnipeg on Jan. 6, highlighted by his ninth career overtime goal. Two nights later, Hertl collected a pair of assists in a 5-3 comeback victory over Columbus, including the primary helper on Mark Stone’s game-winning goal.
After being held off the scoresheet in a 4-2 win over St. Louis on Friday, Hertl saved his most emphatic statement for Sunday night at SAP Center.
Facing the Sharks, the team he spent more than a decade with, Hertl erupted for a career-high five points in a 7-2 Vegas win that was effectively decided early. The performance matched a Golden Knights franchise record and capped a week that showcased his full offensive toolkit.
Comfortable, confident, in control
Head coach Bruce Cassidy said Hertl’s influence was obvious long before the final stat line was revealed.
“I knew he was involved a lot,” Cassidy said after Sunday’s win. “He was good on draws, scored around the net, and then when I looked at the sheet, I realized he won the draw that led to Shea Theodore’s goal too. We don’t have a lot of left-handed centers right now, so that helps.”
Cassidy also acknowledged the setting mattered.
“I’m sure he enjoys coming back here,” Cassidy said. “Sometimes when you return to a familiar place, you just feel comfortable.”
That comfort showed. Hertl scored in traffic, facilitated from below the goal line, and created space for his linemates, all while anchoring a power play that continues to gain rhythm.
Production with purpose
Despite the five-point outburst, Hertl downplayed the personal significance.
“Sometimes you feel great and don’t get much, and sometimes it just goes your way,” Hertl said. “Tonight things went my way, but I’m more happy with my overall game. I try to be consistent every night and help the team.”
That mindset aligns with where Vegas sits in the season. Through 44 games, Hertl leads the Golden Knights with 18 goals and ranks fourth on the team with 39 points. More importantly, his production has come during a stretch when Vegas has leaned heavily on its leadership group.
Cassidy has noticed.
“The leaders are taking ownership,” he said. “That’s why they wear letters.”
Momentum at the right time
Hertl’s week coincided with a broader shift in Vegas’ game. The Golden Knights have tightened defensively, pushed play north more consistently, and found offense through movement rather than volume alone.
“We’re getting out of our end quicker,” Cassidy said. “When you’re holding teams under 20 shots, that usually means you’re playing fast.”
For Hertl, the result is not just points, but influence. His presence has stabilized the middle of the lineup and provided Vegas with another trusted option when games tilt late.
The recognition is deserved. More importantly, it feels sustainable.
And if Hertl’s week was any indication, the Golden Knights are getting exactly what they hoped for when they committed to him as a cornerstone of their push forward.
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