LAS VEGAS — Tomas Hertl’s journey with the Golden Knights since being traded last year has not been smooth sailing due to health challenges and adjusting to a new team dynamic. However, Hertl is now displaying the form that made his acquisition worthwhile.
In a high-scoring game that saw Vegas fall 6-5 to the Los Angeles Kings, Hertl recorded a hat trick, adding to an impressive stretch of performances. Over the last eight games, the forward has tallied points in seven, with seven goals and four assists. Since January 7, Hertl has amassed 17 goals and 10 assists across 24 games, ranking just behind Dallas’ Jason Robertson and tying with Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl for goal-scoring in that period.
After feeling out of sorts early in his tenure with the Golden Knights, Hertl has found comfort and form this season, particularly since December. “I settled back in center and I feel really good about my game,” Hertl expressed. He feels confident about contributing significantly as the playoffs approach and is determined to keep improving.
The Golden Knights are currently vying for the top spot in the Pacific Division and eye home-ice advantage in the playoffs. They sat four points ahead of the Oilers as of Monday, with a pivotal road trip on the horizon. Their upcoming schedule includes matches against the Penguins, Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Red Wings, with only Columbus currently within playoff contention.
Before the narrow defeat to the Kings, the Golden Knights were on an impressive run, winning seven of their last eight games. “We have to be ready to go,” emphasized Hertl. “We have 19 games left. It’s coming pretty fast.”
Hertl joined the Golden Knights last year as they aimed for a playoff berth following their Stanley Cup victory. Previously, he had a long-standing career with divisional rivals San Jose Sharks since 2013-14, scoring 30-plus goals in two seasons and exceeding 60 points three times. Yet, he faced a challenging transition due to a knee surgery in February just before joining Vegas, combining recovery with acclimatization to a new team.
In the previous season’s playoffs, Hertl struggled to adapt, a point highlighted during the first-round defeat to the Dallas Stars where he managed just one goal. “The playoffs, he was chasing,” noted coach Bruce Cassidy. The transition was tough with Hertl missing critical time and then diving into an intense part of the season.
This season, Hertl has found his rhythm, especially thriving in the center position. His contributions are evident, with one of his goals against the Kings extending his lead in Golden Knights history for power-play goals to 12. So far, Hertl has scored 27 goals and provided 25 assists, suggesting he may reach a career-high, though surpassing the 2018-19 peak of 35 goals and 39 assists will be challenging.
“He’s not scared of going in that front, that dirty area and getting those goals,” teammate Nicolas Roy said. Hertl’s prowess, particularly in face-offs and goal scoring, makes him exciting to watch as he continues to shine in his pivotal role for the Golden Knights.
