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Vegas Golden Knights Report Card: Alex Tuch

By Andrew Steele-Davis

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 16: Alex Tuch #89 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the San Jose Sharks in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on April 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 16: Alex Tuch #89 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period against the San Jose Sharks in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on April 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 04: Alex Tuch #89 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena on April 4, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 04: Alex Tuch #89 of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena on April 4, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Why The Grade

Alex Tuch missed the start of 2018-19 due to injury but that didn’t stop him for long as he morphed into an elite scorer for the Vegas Golden Knights, finishing fourth in scoring on the team behind Reilly Smith, William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault.

Tuch had 10 more points than both Paul Stastny and Max Pacioretty last year, which says it all, and he achieved career-highs in a number of offensive categories including goals (20), assists (32) and points (52). He thrived as a clutch player for the Knights and his six game-winning goals highlights just how vital he was at times last year.

Plus, not only was Tuch dominant in the offensive zone but he was also just as effective in his own zone, totalling 92 hits, 40 blocked shots and 69 takeaways while his 180 shots also set a career-high mark. In other words, he was sensational in every single aspect and he adds to the abundance of offensive riches at the disposal of the Golden Knights.

He also totalled two points (one goal, one assist) in seven postseason contests against the San Jose Sharks, logging on average 17:04 minutes of ice time per game and laying the body on with 18 hits. Tuch was relied upon heavily all year-long and he’s very much a secret weapon for Vegas.

Boasting skill, size, a high-compete level and a deadly release, Tuch has all the hallmarks to transform into an elite NHL two-way forward and he’s well on his way judging by his exploits last year. He’s nowhere near his prime yet and has time on his side to continue to learn his craft and iron out any wrinkles in his game.

Next. Nate Schmidt Report Card. dark

However, the only caveat at play here is the fact that Tuch will be a third-line wing this year given the embarrassment of riches the Golden Knights have in the top six, so it remains to be seen whether Tuch will be able to produce offensively on a consistent basis in a slightly limited bottom-six role.

But, going back to last year, Tuch’s performances and his ability to come up clutch in key moments, not to mention his career-highs in a number of categories, has earned him an A Grade and he has now established himself as yet another potent weapon in the Vegas Golden Knights’ armoury.

CALGARY, AB – MARCH 10: Vegas Golden Knights Right Wing Alex Tuch (89) smiles as he celebrates a goal on the Calgary Flames by Winger Brandon Pirri (73) with Defenceman Nate Schmidt (88) and Center Cody Eakin (21) during the first period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Vegas Golden Knights on March 10, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 10: Vegas Golden Knights Right Wing Alex Tuch (89) smiles as he celebrates a goal on the Calgary Flames by Winger Brandon Pirri (73) with Defenceman Nate Schmidt (88) and Center Cody Eakin (21) during the first period of an NHL game where the Calgary Flames hosted the Vegas Golden Knights on March 10, 2019, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Numbers

Games: 74

Goals: 20

Assists: 32

Points: 52

Power Play Goals: 3

Power Play Points: 6

Game-Winning Goals: 6

Shots: 180

Plus / Minus: +13

PIM: 8

ATOI: 16:44

Blocked Shots: 40

Hits: 92

Takeaways: 69

CF%: 54.7

oZS%: 56.9

Games (Playoffs): 7

Goals (Playoffs): 1

Assists (Playoffs): 1

Points (Playoffs): 2

Plus / Minus (Playoffs): 0

ATOI (Playoffs): 17:04

Next Report Card: Tomas Nosek

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