3 Takeaways from the Golden Knights 3-1 win against Vancouver

Rested and with good vibes from two weeks ago still intact, the Golden Knights started the second half with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks as the Gaudreaus looked on from the audience. It was another really good night and a sign of a sense of calm for Vegas heading into the rest of February [knock on wood]. Here’s my three takeaways from a “La-La-Laa”-vely night at the Fortress.

“Hey Barbie!”

It’s no big secret that Ivan Barbashev, although playing okay hockey, has had a rough go scoring-wise since coming back from IR 40 days ago. In that time, he’s collected four assists and a +3. Thankfully that came to a close tonight with his first goal since December 14th, a welcome beauty off a rebound. The primal scream at the end by Barbie says it all…

There’s been a lot of potential deadline chatter involving Mikko Rantanen coming to Vegas that (admittedly) is pretty juicy to picture heading into March 7. But nights like this from Barbashev, if he can string them together these last two months, serve as a reminder of the offensive force that could be used with Karlsson on LTIR.

The “Steel & Stone” Line Shines Again!

Of all of the line blending coach Cassidy’s had to do the last few weeks, one line has remained consistently intact: Brett Howden- Brandon Saad- Mark Stone. Tonight was an example why. Saad had his first game winner of the season 11 seconds into the third. Howden had two assists and came close to his 17th goal of the season on a breakaway with 6:36 left.

I’d argue it’s the best this line has looked in their brief time together. Which should be a note of restless sleep for other Western contenders.

Adin “H-O-T-T” When it Counts

Adin Hill, for the first two periods, looked the same as he had his last few starts: not terribly busy, solid when he needed to be, more Darcy Kuemper than Dominik Hasek. After Saad’s goal in the third though, as Vancouver started to press more at Vegas, it all changed. He had 18 saves in the third period and was in steady control for a good chunk of it, including during a big scrum in front of his net early on late in the game.

It was his best statistical game since the Florida game on January 26, and the first time he’s won back-to-back starts since winning three straight from December 23-27. As big as Barbashev’s big night was, a potentially resurgent Hill could be massive for this team heading into March and April and beyond.

Next on the Marquee:

A quick trip to Los Angeles Monday night to take on the Kings at 7 P.M. is next. They’ve won four of their last five, including a 5-3 win earlier tonight against Utah. It’s the first time they’ve played since a 6-3 loss on October 30th in L.A. Eight days before, Vegas beat the Kings 6-1. So, by that logic, Monday should be pretty fun [knock on pallets of wood]. Anyway, till Monday night…