Vegas Golden Knights fans, it's time to unclench your butt cheeks. Bruce Cassidy has some positive news for your day. What did he have to say about Tomas Hertl and his upper-body injury?
Cassidy says both Hertl and Pietrangelo are out tonight and tomorrow, didn't have much update beyond that.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) March 28, 2025
From what I've been hearing, the prognosis on Hertl is not bad at all. Playing next week or shortly after does not seem out of the question, assuming no setbacks.
Considering his injury on Sunday looked devastating, this is excellent news for Golden Knights fans. They were worried their big body in the slot was gone for a month or two after Emil Lilleberg took him out of commission. But that seems like a fantasy barring any potential setbacks.
After all, the 31-year-old has been instrumental in Vegas having the best power play in the NHL (yes, you read that right). He has 14 goals and nine assists on the unit this season, leading a group that converts 30.1% of their power plays entering Friday. Again, unclench those butt cheeks, Las Vegas.
This is also inspiring for the Pacific Division run. The Los Angeles Kings are looking to capitalize on their upcoming home slate and inch closer to the division lead. With Hertl, that becomes harder. Now, you have the center returning to the slot, ensuring all penalty kills are non-existent.
Examining Tomas Hertl's impact on the Vegas Golden Knights
It's been mentioned numerous times how Tomas Hertl helps the Vegas Golden Knights on the power play. He's the big body who attacks the net voraciously, stockpiling countless goals. The Prague native makes life easier for fellow forwards Mark Stone and Jack Eichel to find scoring opportunities. All you do is feed the "Fun Must Be Always" ambassador to score.
But he was also on an absolute heater before his injury. He's scored eight goals and five assists in March, with four coming in his last two games played. That includes two hat tricks, providing a much-needed spark to the Golden Knights offense.
It's no wonder Bruce Cassidy has relied on him heavily throughout the season. Defenders have a tough time taking the puck away since he simply turns his body away. He also leaves opposing penalty kills in a panic, skating up to the net for the easy goal. Sure, fans will also point to Pavel Dorofeyev (12 power play goals) and how he changed the power play's dynamic. However, you can't deny that the 31-year-old also played a role.
What this means for Bruce Cassidy and the Golden Knights moving forward
Suddenly, the playoff push doesn't look as grim, barring setbacks. Aside from Hertl possibly returning sooner, Alex Pietrangelo could also return in that timeframe. The Golden Knights have been dealt a lucky hand regarding health this season, avoiding serious injuries to key players.
That's excellent considering the Kings and Oilers are making a late-season push for the Pacific Division. Home-ice advantage matters for all teams involved, given their stellar home records. What better way to grab the crown than having a team at full-strength?
Luckily, that reality could happen soon. Fun will "be always" and things are slowly returning to normal. No more clenched butt cheeks (for now) on the Golden Knights front, for Cassidy and the gang are prepping for another late-season run. Now's the time to grab the division and play June hockey.