Sometimes, you need a little rest to get your mind right. It helps you to refocus and realign on certain things in life. If you're Ivan Barbashev, it got you your first goal since returning from an upper-body injury. It turns out that goal was much-needed as the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Vancouver Canucks, 3-1.
"Toward the goal, tipped, rebound — score!"
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) February 23, 2025
"Ivan Barbashev! He ties the game!"
🎙 @Dan_DUva
Barbashev gets Vegas on the board and registers the @GoldenKnights' 1000th goal scored at T-Mobile Arena, in the 299th home game. pic.twitter.com/bjvj4CnGs3
Sometimes, that goal can come from a simple tip-in, as Barbashev showed in the second period. Kevin Lankiken looked like a man who earned his contract extension throughout the game, standing on his head to make ridiculous saves. That's why this goal has significant meaning. That goal can build confidence for a guy who's struggled since returning from that injury, especially against a solid netminder.
That's also why he was the X-factor in Saturday's game. The Golden Knights needed their top-line winger to come through and score a goal. Only having four assists since January 11 doesn't do much to give you that confidence. It turns out that prophecy became fulfilled as he scored the equalizer.
His goal was also the sparkplug, giving the home team something to electrify the crowd. Lo and behold, Jack Eichel's running mate provided that spark, catapulting his team into first place in the Pacific Division. Of course, Adin Hill had an excellent game himself, stopping 32 of 33 shots. However, you don't win games if you don't snap out of debilitating funks.
Could this be the new Ivan Barbashev Golden Knights fans have waited for?
Waking up this morning, I woke up with a nagging lower hip. It prevented me from bending down and picking up my cat. Granted, she's a chunky girl, weighing in at a mean 13 lbs. However, it's a sign that injuries can mess up your performance.
The same can be said for Ivan Barbashev after he suffered an upper-body injury on December 15. When he returned from his injury, the Vegas Golden Knights saw a player who just... fired shots at the net. These shots had no substance and didn't produce quality scoring opportunities. But Saturday's game against the Vancouver Canucks was a different story.
Instead of trying to do too much, his approach was simple. The winger took what was given to him and made the most of his situation. That second-period goal was a perfect example, where he simply had to park in front of the net for a tip-in. No overthinking or trying to force a shot needed.
Could that be the confidence boost needed to get him back in the hockey god's good graces? That could be the case. If so, it could also help Vegas go on the run needed to win the Pacific Division. Of course, there must be some things shored up, including the power play figuring out how to maneuver sans Shea Theodore. However, Barbashev getting back in the goal column helps.
Saturday's game was a solid start for the Russian forward. He didn't overcomplicate things and got the look he needed. In turn, it cracked the code of Kevin Lankinen and swung the momentum in Vegas's favor. It might even swing lady luck on the 29-year-old's side, giving him a newfound scoring touch.