The Vegas Golden Knights can thank their lucky stars that the series is tied, 2-2. They had a breathtaking overtime victory on Monday, overcoming an overturned goal by having Shea Theodore get another goal. Lo and behold, the series with the Utah Mammoth has a different vibe with a best-of-three looming large for both teams.
Of course, there are the usual suspects in play. That includes everyone's favorite Patrick Mahomes doppelganger, Jack Eichel (one goal and five assists). Of course, other main guys such as Noah Hanifin (four assists) and Ivan Barbashev (two goals and two assists) have also stepped up to the plate.
But what about showing the gritty players keeping the ship afloat? Without these feisty workers, the Golden Knights would likely be looking at a series sweep and questions about whether this team can sustain its success. Maybe Kelly McCrimmon would look at a potential retool or rebuild in this situation?
So, let's tip our hats and salute the hard-workers keeping the machine running. These three names might not get much love in terms of their play. But it's high-time that these players did, especially with Vegas in the midst of a tough battle. Here are three names that Golden Knights fans better appreciate.
1.) Cole Smith
Nobody would've expected the fourth line to carry the play for the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round. Yet, here we are, with the winger adding a goal and two assists to the attack. Of course, he's also doing his typical work as a grind-line guy.
Smith also has 20 hits to his name, bolstering the fourth line's physicality. The series has taken on a hit-bonanza, with both the Golden Knights and the Mammoth punishing each other on the ice. That's especially true with the former Predator, who's dealing plenty of damage to Utah players. Speaking of the fourth line...
2.) Nic Dowd
Another surprising fourth-line player has been Nic Dowd. The Alabama native has two goals in the first round series, including a goal in Game 1's victory. But that's not the only thing he's excelled at.
The center has also won 56.9% of his faceoffs during the first round. That's vital for Vegas, considering that they need help in late-game situations against a fast Mammoth team. What better way to close out a game than to win faceoffs, take possession, and eat up the clock? Speaking of face-offs...
3.) Colton Sissons
Like Cole Smith, Sissons has a goal and two assists in this series. Like Nic Dowd, Sissons has won 50% of his faceoffs, which isn't bad. But the former Predator has also hit more Mammoth players with 18 hits.
Sissons has done well in his role as a lower-line contributor. He's added more scoring from this unit along with the aforementioned unit mates, giving Vegas enough scoring depth to win key games. If Sissons can keep this up, that will give his other forwards and defensemen enough time to catch up and start a run.
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