Grading the Vegas Golden Knights midway through the 2024-25 season

Entering Friday, the Vegas Golden Knights sit atop the NHL hierarchy. So what grade should the team get?

New York Islanders v Vegas Golden Knights
New York Islanders v Vegas Golden Knights | Ethan Miller/GettyImages
4 of 5

Goaltenders: B

Part of why the goaltending group is getting a B is because of the start of the season. Adin Hill struggled mightily in October, posting a GAA of 3.20 and a save percentage of .878. However, he turned his fortunes around in December with a GAA of 2.26 and a save percentage of .919. Ilya Samsonov has also been decent as a backup with a GAA of 2.65 and a save percentage of .907.

But their stellar stats stem beyond stopping shots. Advanced analytics show Hill and Samsonov have been better than expected for the Golden Knights. In fact, the duo has stolen some games for Vegas, getting them to the top of the league (minimum 15 games).

Goaltender

Goals Saved Above Expected

Save Percentage On Unblocked Shots

GAA Better Than Expected

Wins Above Replacement

Adin Hill

8.4

.957

0.33

1.40

Ilya Samsonov

6.0

.957

0.40

1.00

The impact of both netminders can't be underestimated. When facing teams such as the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets, you need your goaltenders to stand firm and keep you in the game. That's what Hill and Samsonov have done, acting as the proverbial brick wall when needed.

Schedule