LAS VEGAS — Tomas Hertl netted a crucial goal in the final period, helping the Vegas Golden Knights secure a 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday evening.
Adin Hill, the Golden Knights’ goaltender, made an impressive 31 saves throughout the match.
The Ducks initially leveled the score early in the second period with a goal from Mason McTavish. However, Hertl quickly responded, regaining the lead for Vegas after receiving a pass from Jack Eichel right in front of Anaheim’s goalie, Lukas Dostal. Hertl skillfully switched to his backhand to score.
Earlier, Tanner Pearson had set the tone for Vegas by scoring a short-handed goal in the first period, while Keegan Kolesar added another goal in the third period to solidify their advantage.
Dostal entered the game as a relief goaltender for the Ducks, finishing with 19 saves after taking over for starter John Gibson, who had stopped all 11 shots he faced before being forced to leave in the first period. Gibson exited due to an accidental injury when Tanner Laczynski of Vegas inadvertently struck him in the eye with his stick.
In terms of team updates, the Ducks faced further challenges when Brock McGinn had to leave the game with a lower-body injury after a collision with Hertl on the boards, forcing Anaheim to adjust their fourth line, moving Brett Leason into the mix.
For the Golden Knights, head coach Bruce Cassidy celebrated his 119th career victory with the team, marking the record for the most wins by any head coach in the franchise’s short history, which began in 2016. He now holds a record of 119-59-20 in just three seasons at the helm.
One notable moment during the game occurred when Anaheim’s Alex Killorn attempted to shift the momentum in the second period by dumping the puck in. Hill ventured behind the net to retrieve it, but the puck unexpectedly bounced off one of the linesman’s skates and headed toward the goal. In a dramatic save, Hill dove awkwardly to prevent the puck from entering the net, but Leo Carlsson of the Ducks missed an open shot on a wide right backhand attempt.
Statistically, Dostal had an exhausting night, as he had also played 65 minutes in a previous overtime contest in Salt Lake City on Sunday, resulting in a remarkable total of 104:37 minutes of play within a 24-hour span.
Looking ahead, the Ducks will be hosting the Philadelphia Flyers this coming Saturday, while the Golden Knights are set to face off against the San Jose Sharks in a Pacific Division showdown on Friday night.
