Brandon Saad's debut goal at home for the Vegas Golden Knights was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored just 18 seconds after the third period began, leading the team to a decisive 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night. This win not only marked Saad's first goal at The Fortress, but it also extended the Golden Knights' winning streak to three games, putting them firmly at the top of the Pacific Division, two points clear of the Edmonton Oilers.
Saad's game-winning goal came off a rebound generated by Zach Whitecloud's shot, which had first missed the net. The puck bounced off the boards right to Saad, who made no mistake putting it away. This goal was pivotal as it secured the Golden Knights' home victory following the two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
"I was just trying to get to the net, and luckily, it came right to me," Saad said post-game. His performance has been noteworthy since his recent acquisition from the St. Louis Blues, where he struggled, managing only three goals over 29 games. Since joining the Golden Knights, Saad has already made his mark, scoring twice in the five games he has played.
The Golden Knights initially trailed after Jake DeBrusk of the Canucks scored during the second period, giving Vancouver the lead at 1-0. This marked DeBrusk's 300th career point, adding significance to the goal. But Vegas struck back quickly. Ivan Barbashev tied the game with his first score since December 14, thanks to his tenacity and quick reflexes to capitalize on a rebound.
Barbashev's equalizer came just five minutes after DeBrusk’s goal, showcasing the Golden Knights' resilience. Adin Hill, the Golden Knights' goalie, played phenomenally throughout the match, making 32 saves, two of which were spectacular stops without his stick. His efforts were fundamental to maintaining the lead as they continued to press offensively on the Canucks.
Despite being outshot 35-33, the Golden Knights made their chances count. Tomas Hertl added insurance with another goal on an empty net with only 30 seconds left, securing what was otherwise a closely contested game.
The physicality of the game intensified as both teams fought for supremacy. The Canucks had what they believed were goals—both initially counted—called back due to goaltender interference, leaving them frustrated and unable to reclaim momentum.
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy praised his team for their performance. "We kept pushing and didn’t let the early goal affect us. The way we responded showcases our character as a team,” he noted.
The Golden Knights now boast a record of 34-17-6, positioning them well as they look forward to their next game against the Los Angeles Kings. With confidence shot up after this win, there are high hopes for the continued success of this squad.
On the other side, the Canucks had their three-game winning streak snapped. Though Kevin Lankinen, their goalie, performed admirably with 32 saves, it was not enough to hold off the Golden Knights. The loss meant the Canucks would need to regroup quickly before facing off against the Utah team the following evening.
Intriguingly, the game was also marked by Black History Knight, celebrating local Black-owned businesses and highlighting community contributions, showcasing the growing significance of hockey's inclusivity initiatives.
Looking down the line, both teams face challenges as injuries have impacted their rosters. The Golden Knights will still be without Shea Theodore until early March, and William Karlsson remains sidelined. On the flip side, Canucks top defender Quinn Hughes missed his fifth straight game, and Elias Pettersson had limited ice time due to recovering from undisclosed injuries earned during the tournament.
Both teams ventured onto the ice with high hopes as they continue their season. The Golden Knights' next game will be against the Kings at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, aimed at extending their current winning run, having gained momentum with this recent performance.
For fans of hockey and residents of Las Vegas, entertainment is just ramping up, and the excitement is palpable. With players like Saad making waves, the future looks bright for the Golden Knights as they continue to chase success on the ice.