LAS VEGAS — The Golden Knights‘ locker room had a bit more zest after Tuesday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Moments after Shea Theodore used his trademark forehand-to-backhand move for the game-winner in the shootout, a sudden roar could be heard from behind closed doors in the hallway outside Vegas’ locker room, and it was quite apparent why.
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After a brilliant six-save overtime, goaltender Carter Hart stopped two of the three shots he faced in the shootout and picked up his first win as a Golden Knight, in his first game back in the NHL.
“I think for him, obviously, this was a unique situation, we can all agree with that,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “And a new member of our team, it was like (goaltender) Carl’s (Lindbom). It was a big celebration the other night when Carl got his first win, right? So, different thing, but it’s more than one, let’s put it that way.”
The Golden Knights snapped a seven-game losing skid in overtime, grabbing a much-needed win before their longest road trip to date, an upcoming five-game jaunt to New Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island, Philadelphia and Columbus.
Ivan Barbashev, Ben Hutton and Braeden Bowman scored for the Golden Knights in regulation, while Hart made 27 saves.
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Oliver Moore, Tyler Bertuzzi and Connor Bedard notched Chicago’s regulation goals and netminder Spencer Knight stopped 25 shots.
KEY MOMENT: Bowman’s goal with 2:28 left in the game tied the game and breathed new life into the Knights and an always energetic crowd inside T-Mobile. After Theodore’s shot went off Knight’s right pad, Bowman’s initial backhand was also stuffed. But his quick reaction to follow with another backhand to ricochet the puck off the top of Knight’s pad and into the net, sending the announced crowd of 17,944 into a frenzy.
KEY STAT: 5-for-5 … Vegas’ penalty kill was outstanding, stopping Chicago on all five power-play attempts. Whether it was limiting the Blackhawks’ top options – Bedard to Bertuzzi backdoor was off the table – or Hart making several big saves, the Golden Knights’ perfect night on the penalty kill was a difference maker.
WHAT A KNIGHT: It has to be Hart. After stopping 21 of the 24 shots he faced in regulation, the 27-year-old was brilliant in overtime, seemingly catching his second win in the nick of time to keep the Blackhawks out of his net. Hart stopped all six shots he faced in overtime, and then two of the three in the shootout (not even Martin Brodeur was stopping Bedard’s shootout attempt). Though the first goal he allowed in regulation was Chicago’s second shot, Hart settled in nicely to keep the Knights in the game.
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“I think, first one maybe just, was a little bit excited and maybe over committed on the first guy coming into the zone,” Hart said. “But, I mean, it happens, and it’s just good to be back playing. It’s a process. It’s gonna get better and better each time.
“After that (first goal), just kind of settled in a little bit, and just got back to playing my game, and the guys did a really good job of battling around the net front, tying up sticks, and got some huge blocks in the game. And it’s a big two points.”
UP NEXT: The Golden Knights open a five-game road trip at New Jersey on Friday
PHOTO CAPTION: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at T-Mobile Arena.
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