3 Takeaways from the Golden Knights' 2-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils

The Golden Knights beat the New Jersey Devils, 2-0, for their fifth win in their last six games. It’s only fitting that a game as drama-filled as it was on Friday night would be followed by a mostly chill one, especially on Oscars night. Here’s my three takeaways from the end of a weekend that only Sean Baker could top.

Third period power plays breaks scoring logjam

Vegas and New Jersey spent the first 40 minutes locked in an even-steven goalie duel. Shots were even, chances were mostly even, both had gorgeous chances that missed due to cruel luck (Tomas Hertl’s gonna see that first period chance in his sleep tonight…and the next couple of nights). It was one of those times where the team with the first lucky break was gonna win, and that break–as you can see in the title–belonged to the Golden Knights thanks to a couple power plays over eight minutes.

Those goals tonight from Mark Stone and Noah Hanifin marked the first time in team history Vegas scored two power play goals in back-to-back games. Given that the next two games are against middle-of-the-pack teams (Toronto and Pittsburgh) in the league on the penalty kill, it’s also timely.

Adin Hill with a perfect “flow” in net

The big story in net initially was the return of Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey after five weeks on the IL. After the final horn, it was Adin Hill who had 25 saves for his third shutout of the season. Most importantly, he also had his third straight game of giving up a goal or less in 22 games, which hasn’t happened for Hill this season. The last time that happened? [scrolls through hockey-reference.com] November 26th-December 3rd, when he was a San Jose Shark.

Does it sweep under the rug the real worries behind Ilya Samsonov’s game? Not at all. But it’s a reminder of the talent as the number one goaltender, along with the adage “Getting hot at the right time!”

"Original Misfit" Brayden McNabb hits 800 games

I always like to swing a little love to Brayden McNabb, who celebrated his 800th game in the NHL tonight. Fun fact: McNabb is one of two defensemen on the team from that original defense group of 14 selected in the Expansion Draft.

He had a quiet night tonight, but what he’s given to the team is worth celebrating. He holds the team record for +/- (+123). He’s third all-time among defensemen in goals (23), second among defensemen all-time in assists (97) and points (122). Shea Theodore, Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin get the publicity. But he’s one of those guys that makes the team close to competent defensively.

Next on the marquee:

The Toronto Maple Leafs come into town Wednesday night for a big national TV matchup on TNT at 7 P.M. They’re kind of the East’s version of Vegas, if we had 59 years of angst and a New York Yankees-level media obsession permeating the air. The Leafs are also quietly riding an incredible heater, winning eight of their last nine, including a wild 6-5 OT win earlier today in Pittsburgh.

Long story short: this is gonna be a fun one. Till Wednesday night…