NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vegas Golden Knights are quickly showing why their depth could be one of their greatest strengths this season.Five different players scored, 12 Golden Knights recorded at least one point and Adin Hill made 25 saves as Vegas defeated the Nashville Predators 5-2 Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.
The victory improved the Golden Knights to 6-2-0, with contributions coming from throughout the lineup. Nashville struck first when Ryan O’Reilly scored four minutes into the opening period, but Vegas didn’t take long to respond.
Following a Predators turnover, Brett Howden and Raphael Lavoie helped create an opportunity for Tomas Hertl, who beat Juuse Saros short side to tie the game. Six minutes later, Jack Eichel put Vegas ahead.
Brayden McNabb sent a centering pass toward the net, and Eichel produced a one-handed deflection past Saros for his fourth goal of the season. The goal gave Eichel 13 points with four goals and nine assists, tying him for the NHL lead in points.
Nashville had an opportunity to tie the game before the first intermission when Jack Drury was awarded a penalty shot, but Hill denied him to preserve Vegas’ 2-1 advantage.
Predators Fight Back
The Predators eventually tied things in the second period when Adam Edstrom scored shorthanded nine minutes into the frame. Once again, Vegas responded. With 2:16 remaining in the period, Mitch Marner found William Karlsson at the right circle. Karlsson converted for his second goal in as many games, giving the Golden Knights a 3-2 lead.
Rasmus Andersson picked up the secondary assist. Vegas then took control in the third. Five minutes into the period, Noah Hanifin found Trevor Connelly wide open in the circle. The rookie fired home a one-timer for his third goal of the season, moving him into a tie for the rookie league lead in goals.
Only 1:35 later, Vegas struck again. Andersson sent the puck toward the net, where Howden redirected it past Saros to extend the advantage to 5-2. From there, the Golden Knights closed the door.
Hill stopped 25 of 27 shots for a .926 save percentage, earning his third consecutive victory. What should be most encouraging for Vegas wasn’t simply the final score.
It was how the Golden Knights got there. Hertl, Eichel, Karlsson, Connelly and Howden all scored. Andersson recorded two assists, while Howden finished with a goal and an assist. Twelve Vegas players appeared on the scoresheet.
Through eight games, the Golden Knights are demonstrating that opponents can’t simply concentrate on stopping Eichel or Marner. There are too many other players capable of making a difference. It’s still early in the season, but at 6-2-0, Vegas is beginning to establish an identity.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
