One bright spot for the Henderson Silver Knights that continues to shine bright

It's no secret the Henderson Silver Knights have been bad this season. No, not "Shea Theodore being injured at the 4 Nations Face-Off and Vegas Golden Knights fans losing their collective minds" bad. It's more of an "Oh, it's these guys here to disappoint me again" bad. It's like you're expecting to be punched in the stomach, yet you're still disappointed when it happens. If you're a guy, it's like getting kicked in the family jewels.

Still, some players on the AHL squad have been far from a swift kick in the groin. For example, Grigori Denisenko represented the team during the AHL All-Star Game festivities. Sure, 10 goals and 14 assists in 42 games entering Wednesday isn't lighting the world on fire. But it means something when you make a competition of the league's best.

But he hasn't been the lone star on a middling team in recent weeks. In fact, one goaltender has taken the minor leagues by storm, putting fans and scouts on notice. He's already being hailed for his immaculate work in the crease, where Las Vegans dream about him becoming the Golden Knights starting goaltender one day. Could that day come soon? Stay tuned. First, let's see who's shooting up the netminder ranks and making the NHL team's offseason to-do list much easier.

Carl Lindbom continues to shine for the Henderson Silver Knights

If you've paid attention to the Vegas Golden Knights prospect pool, you've noticed some slim pickings. Sure, there's the promise of seeing a solid forward like Trevor Connelly (three goals, eight assists in 15 games with the Providence Friars) scorch through the NCAA. However, the current crop doesn't offer much hope for the future.

That is unless you're Carl Lindbom. The Swedish netminder currently has a GAA of 2.67 and a save percentage of .917 in 20 games started. That includes an impressive stretch where he's taken the minor leagues by storm since Jan. 18. Here are his stats entering Wednesday's game against the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

If you don't know who the 21-year-old is, he's been one of the best goaltenders in Swedish hockey in recent memory. The netminder has totaled a GAA of 2.11 and a save percentage of .913 in three seasons in the SHL (Swedish Hockey League). He's also had incredible amateur stints, including a three-year period with a GAA of 1.71 and a save percentage of .936 in the J18 Region (J18 Elit).

Fans have lauded how well Lindbom is with his position and reflexes. He tracks pucks well and moves athletically to anticipate the next play. He's also not afraid to make the aggressive play, doing whatever it takes to make the save. It's no wonder he's played excellent hockey since Jan. 18.

That sort of play could ease the minds of Las Vegans everywhere when the offseason rolls around. Both Adin Hill and Ilya Samsonov will be free agents next season, barring a contract extension being signed. However, having a rising star like the Silver Knights netminder will make things less painful. Think of it as a nice deep-tissue massage that relaxes all the muscles.