The Vegas Golden Knights emerged victorious against the Vancouver Canucks with a 3-1 score on February 22, 2025, solidifying their position at the top of the Pacific Division.
Brandon Saad, freshly signed and making his mark, scored just 18 seconds after the start of the third period, propelling the Knights to their third consecutive win. This performance not only helped Saad secure his place on the team with his second goal since joining but also underscored the team's offensive strength as they took sole possession of first place, two points clear of the Edmonton Oilers.
The night at T-Mobile Arena did not kick off with immediate excitement; the first period remained scoreless as both teams fought to find their rhythm. It wasn't until the second period when Vancouver's Jake DeBrusk slipped one past Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill, taking the Canucks to the lead.
But the Knights responded tenaciously. Ivan Barbashev leveled the playing field, scoring his 16th goal of the season and ensuring the team's morale remained intact. Saad then took charge, demonstrating his knack for finding rebounds and opening the scoreboard for the Knights shortly after the third period commenced.
"Brandon Saad scored off a rebound from the left circle 18 seconds...to put Vegas ahead for good," reported by AP, capturing the essence of the action. This goal demonstrated the Knights' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with Saad's contribution being particularly notable as he quickly adapted to his new role.
Tomas Hertl capped off the evening with an empty-net goal, sealing the Knights' victory with just 31 seconds left on the clock and showcasing teamwork and resilience. Hertl’s goal not only secured the win but also added to the excitement within the already electric atmosphere of the arena.
Defensively, Adin Hill shone brightly, making 33 saves throughout the match, including several challenging stops against high-danger shots from the Canucks. Hill’s impressive performance played a key role, especially at pivotal moments when he made four saves during one hectic sequence close to the third period's midway point.
On the other side, Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen proved equally formidable, halting 32 shots to keep his team competitive for as long as he could. Despite taking the loss, he was recognized for his efforts. Lankinen had signed a five-year contract extension just days prior, and his performance will likely bolster his team’s confidence going forward.
An important aspect of the game was the impact of injuries on the Canucks’ lineup. Elias Pettersson played limited minutes after suffering an injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off, and star defenseman Quinn Hughes missed yet another game due to his own injury woes. This left Vancouver at a disadvantage as they faced off against the resilient Knights.
After the match, the attendance was recorded at 18,309, highlighting the community support for the Golden Knights as they sought to build on their current momentum. The Knights are now heading on the road to face the Los Angeles Kings, and this win has set the stage for their continued success.
This victory also marked the franchise's 1,000th goal at T-Mobile Arena since their inaugural season, establishing them as the fastest franchise to achieve this milestone.
Looking forward, the Knights are poised to build on their success, and fans are eager to see if they can extend their streak. The resilience, teamwork, and tactical play witnessed against the Canucks are promising signs for what lies ahead, showcasing the talent piled up on the Vegas roster.