The Vegas Golden Knights obliterated the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, 5-2. The beatdown was so brutal that Joseph Woll was chased after three goals. Players like Jack Eichel (one goal and one assist) and Tomas Hertl (one goal and one assist) made the contest look effortless. That included an incredible no-look pass from Eichel to Noah Hanifin in the second period.
"Now here's a look — Hanifin scores!"
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) March 6, 2025
"Noah Hanifin continues his scoring streak! Four games in a row!"
🎙 @Dan_DUva
Hanifin strikes just 17 seconds into the middle frame to give Vegas a 4-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/dHW5jm8clJ
If there was any question that Eichel is the Patrick Mahomes of the NHL (only better) aside from curly hair, it's plays like this. Of course it goes without saying at this point as Hanifin's best friend closes in on the single-season franchise record for points. But Hanifin himself has been impressive.
The Boston native has two goals and five assists in his last four games. If you want to look further, he has two goals and seven assists in his last six games. Almost a third of his assists this season (22) have come in that span. Finally, the defenseman is playing up to the standard that Kelly McCrimmon expected when he was acquired.
But there's more to his turnaround than simply being a solid puck distributor. In fact, his second-period goal shows something has changed since the 4 Nations Face-Off. It could even lead to a deep playoff run if he continues on his current trajectory. Get your pens and pieces of paper out, class. It's time to see how Hanifin is creating magic again.
How Noah Hanifin is turning things around
Let's go back to his second-period goal for a second. Eichel was engaged in a puck battle, trying to salvage the play. He pulls off an incredible no-look pass to Noah Hanifin, who blisters it past Anthony Stolarz. 4-0, Vegas Golden Knights. It looks like the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs fans are heading towards the T-Mobile Arena exits.
However, one thing that has stood out with him has been his shot. During his four-game point streak, he has 14 shots. 11 of those came in two contests against the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. The former Calgary Flames first-round pick has taken more shots on net, developing more confidence with the puck.
Part of that comes from having an incredible hockey sense. He knows Eichel's battling with numerous Maple Leafs for the puck. While Eichel's about to lose possession, he makes a last-ditch effort by firing the puck to Hanifin. Of course, this starts with knowing that his teammate's in position. Otherwise, this play doesn't happen.
Hanifin being more confident will help the Vegas Golden Knights
Losing Shea Theodore to a wrist injury hurts the Golden Knights in more ways than one. First, they don't have a power play quarterback who sets up scoring opportunities and reads the play. Second, Vegas loses a running mate in transition, leaving them ineffective on the rush. Even if he returns for the Stanley Cup playoffs, his absence leaves a massive void.
Luckily, seeing the 28-year-old step up in Theodore's absence alleviates the pain. There's an old saying used by the New England Patriots during their heyday. It stems around having a "next man up" mentality and stepping up in someone's absence.
Who knows? Maybe that's Hanifin who carries the load in these aspects. Wednesday's game against the Maple Leafs was a stellar performance all-around for the Boston native. He showed his confidence and ability to become an offensive asset, both on even strength and the power play. That's something that Kelly McCrimmon--and Golden Knights fans--have waited for.