The Vegas Golden Knights defenseman, Zach Whitecloud, was a late scratch against the Montreal Canadiens. After missing both the game against the Canadiens and Capitals, he was back and ready to go against the Hurricanes.
Zach Whitecloud has been one of the better defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights this season. In fact, you can make an argument that he actually has been the best defenseman. Since returning from his upper-body injury, he’s made an impact in just about every game.
Losing Whitecloud was a big loss, but the Vegas Golden Knights found a way to get the wins while he was out and that’s all that matters. Well, sort of. It was reported before the game that not only was Mark Stone returning to the ice, but Whitecloud was back as well.
Now, even though Whitecloud returned the Vegas Golden Knights were still without some key players such as Alec Martinez, Max Pacioretty, Reilly Smith, and Jack Eichel. However, this is still much healthier lineup than we were seeing for awhile there.
Anyways, the point of this article is to talk about Zach Whitecloud’s return to the ice- so let’s talk about what we noticed from the Vegas Golden Knights vs Carolina Hurricanes game.
Zach Whitecloud’s First Game Back Breakdown
Zach Whitecloud’s return for the Knights was actually something I think I needed. His skill-set reminds me of another Vegas Golden Knights defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo.
Whitecloud has some offensive talent that allows him to score, but he plays such a strong defensive game that it just pops off the screen. Anytime the opposition has the puck, your eyes are always on Whitecloud.
With the strong defensive showing from Whitecloud throughout the game, it definitely helped Brossoit out.
From the start of the game to the end of the game, Whitecloud was playing a strong defensive game. He was checking well along the boards, and made smart decisions with the puck in the defensive zone. Which, when it comes to your defenseman, that’s all you can ask from them.
He definitely made an impact for the Knights despite not getting a point. Can’t wait to continue watching him in the Vegas Golden Knights uniform.