It’s the type of game that Vegas Golden Knights fans were hoping would happen. The Golden Knights were down, 2-1, in the third period to the New York Rangers. They were in danger of having their three-game winning streak snapped when Tomas Hertl saved the day.
Then comes overtime. In the waning seconds, Jack Eichel catches a bounce pass off the boards for a ridiculous goal that you must see to believe.
NASTY OT GOAL BY VEGAS 🤢
FULL-ICE BANK PASS OFF THE WALL TO SET UP EICHEL ON THE BREAKAWAY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/YkgD1FE4n6
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 8, 2025
Now? The Golden Knights have won four straight games and are keeping pace with the frisky Anaheim Ducks in the Pacific Division. Suddenly, the paradigm has shifted in Sin City and the Golden Knights are feeling like the “Evil Empire” that they were destined to be.
Of course, that goal was a major part of it. Not many people were expecting a uniquely designed play like a puck bouncing off the boards to happen. It’s akin to playing NHL 26 and coming up with a video game-esque play. That’s what led the Golden Knights to victory, leaving the masses in awe.
So, let’s look at the Golden Knights overall. Are they back? Is this a sign of things to come for Vegas? Believe it or not, Eichel isn’t the only superstar who has Golden Knights fans puffing their chests out in pride.
Carter Hart has been an absolute boon for the Vegas Golden Knights in his two starts
One thing that hasn’t been mentioned during Vegas’s four-game winning streak is how the goaltending has dramatically improved. Akira Schmid got a 24-save shutout against the New Jersey Devils on Friday. However, he hasn’t been the only solid option in net for the Golden Knights.
Carter Hart has also been great for Vegas in his two starts, posting a save percentage of .906. Despite an inconvenient lower-body injury that hindered him at the start of the road trip, he’s come back with full force and kept the Golden Knights in both starts.
That has come in numerous forms, including taking penalties to deter goals and taking quick cuts. In turn, the Golden Knights’ netminding situation doesn’t look so dire, leaving fans to believe that Hart has been one part of the solution for Vegas.
Of course, that also involves Adin Hill returning to net once he’s healed from his lower-body injury. Still, the Golden Knights can rely on veteran netminders like Hill and Hart to carry the load, especially with the defense playing better.
“Fun Must Be Always,” especially with Tomas Hertl picking up the pace
Fun fact about Tomas Hertl in his last four games: he has four goals in that span. That includes two goals on the power play, turning the Golden Knights into a full-blown juggernaut. That has also included scoring a goal with 52 seconds left, helping Vegas get a much-needed win.
Currently, he leads the Golden Knights in goals scored (13) and has six goals on the power play. Much of that has come with his slot presence and Bruce Cassidy leaning more on this. As a result, the goals have come flooding in.
That’s a great thing for the Golden Knights, considering they needed players other than Eichel to carry the load. With your reliable power play merchant rediscovering his craft, it’s making Vegas fun to watch. Lo and behold, they’re turning into the “Evil Empire” that everyone expected them to be.