Saturday night was one of those nights where the Vegas Golden Knights were fortunate enough to leave the game with a point. From a slew of bad bounces to an overwhelming Colorado attack, the Golden Knights managed to get a point because of one surprising aspect: depth scoring.
Yes, the same thing that has plagued the team in the earlier months. The Golden Knights got goals from names like Colton Sissons and Brett Howden, leading to a point after the shootout loss. Here’s the thing: it was a moral victory in getting the point. Without Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore (to name a few), the Golden Knights were walking into the lion’s den… literally.
We’re talking about big names such as Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Cale Makar. We’re also talking about a goaltending tandem that’s performing above expectations. Saturday’s game wasn’t expected to be a win for Vegas, let alone a time where they’d get a singular point.
Still, the team persevered despite Colorado coming on late. You can say a late defensive collapse happened. You can also say that a slew of giveaways did the Golden Knights in (gee, I wonder where I heard that before). However, Vegas wouldn’t have gotten that loser point if it wasn’t for one unexpected source.
Alexander Holtz (nearly) saves the day for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Colorado Avalanche
Yes, that Alexander Holtz almost saved the day for the Golden Knights. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, either.
Let’s jump to the first period, where the Golden Knights needed to get off to a fast start. 2:43 into the game, Holtz hops on a tip-in for the game’s first goal.
Alexander Holtz goal! Noah Hanifin sets him up, and Holtz tips it into the empty net for his first of the season.
1-0, Golden Knights
— Hannah Kirkell (@h_kirk6) December 28, 2025
For all the flak we’ve given Holtz over not scoring goals, the Golden Knights winger desperately needed one and got it. On top of that, he set up Ben Hutton’s goal, giving him an assist on the night. Overall, it was a strong game that the young winger needed to build his confidence.
Will he hold onto that spot after tonight’s performance? We shall see. However, it’s a good building block for a player who’s underachieved in other parts of his games. Holtz hasn’t had the best puck luck at times, watching the puck redirect and bounce off numerous crossbars. Maybe the fortunes are changing after Saturday’s game?
But one thing that still stands out is the depth scoring. Aside from Holtz, the Golden Knights got some nifty goals from role players. That ranged from Hutton’s one-timer to Sissons’s backhanded goal. Suddenly, the Golden Knights have no problem finding scoring with 18 goals in their last four games. Role players are stepping up without key players around, which is a promising sign for a wounded Golden Knights team moving ahead.
Look, there wasn’t much of a chance for the Golden Knights to win against Colorado on Saturday. When you’re facing the NHL’s best team with the literal Replacements, that’s a recipe for a pie filled with doo-doo. Still, Vegas persevered and got a point thanks to an unsung hero. Hats off to Holtz and be sure to buy him a beer if you see him on Sunday, Golden Knights fans.