2.) Adin Hill isn't a deciding factor in close games
Adin Hill has arguably the toughest job on the Golden Knights. He takes the brunt of the abuse from fans when he allows more than two goals. Many people expect the Calgary native to play like Dominik Hasek and make spectacular saves every night. Apparently, this isn't enough to sway their opinion.
Adin Hill, wanted for highway robberypic.twitter.com/gbaV3Djqya
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) December 20, 2024
Pius Suter had a chance to slam a wide-open look home and give the Vancouver Canucks momentum on Thursday. However, the 28-year-old netminder played like he was in Game 1 of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final and made an incredible stop.
In fact, Hill has gotten much better as the season has progressed. Look at his statistics starting in October and where he currently stands in December entering Friday.
Month | GAA | Save% | Shutouts |
|---|---|---|---|
October | 3.20 | .878 | 1 |
November | 2.63 | .903 | 0 |
December | 2.20 | .923 | 1 |
Sure, Hill was shaky to start the season, allowing 3.20 GAA in October. However, the logical consensus was to give him more time to get comfortable in the net. He seemed out of sorts with misread pucks and being out of position.
However, the netminder has a GAA of 2.32 since October 27 with a save percentage of .913 and two shutouts. Sometimes, you need your goaltender to hold the fort down when you're losing by a goal. That's all it takes for a team to complete a comeback and win a game. The Golden Knights wouldn't be in first place in the Pacific Division without Hill, especially when losing or in tight contests.