I was at PT's Tavern, watching the Thursday Night Football game. My team was playing and it was a painful experience, for they lost by a score of 12-6. Watching Deebo Samuel trying to catch a pass was like trying to extract your own teeth and nerves with pliers.
Luckily, the Vegas Golden Knights were on the center screen, taking on the Winnipeg Jets. Could Adin Hill and Ivan Barbashev take down the vaunted goaltender known as Connor Hellebuyck? Could the Golden Knights make me forget about the woes and tribulations of my favorite NFL team?
At first, it seemed like that wouldn't be the case. No matter how hard the Golden Knights tried, they couldn't get anything past the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. The 31-year-old stopped 33 of 36 shots, giving the Jets one point.
With Vegas down a goal with less than two minutes, they needed a hero. They needed someone to step up and take control of the game. That's when Victor Olofsson answered the call on the power play.
Sure, a couple of tripping penalties on Gabriel Vilardi and Dylan DeMelo gave the Golden Knights an overwhelming advantage. However, it was the advantage they needed, as Olofsson sniped the game-tying goal.
That brings up one thing that I love about this year's team. It's a trait I wished my NFL team would display when they were backed into a corner. What's the characteristic I'm talking about?
This year's Vegas Golden Knights are resilient
You can't help but love how resilient the Vegas Golden Knights have been in 2024-25. Bruce Cassidy's squad endured various trials and tribulations during the season. However, their style of hockey has forced opponents into making fatal errors, leading to golden opportunities.
Take October 25 as a perfect example. Down 4-3 in the third period, Tanner Pearson drew a key interference penalty on Nick Cousins. That led Tomas Hertl to score the game-tying power play goal.
A minute later, Keegan Kolesar turned one point into two, getting the game-winning goal. Games like this have become the norm for the Golden Knights, putting them in a prime position to win.
Thursday's game was no different when Olofsson scored the game-tying power play goal. Then came the overtime period, where Vladimir Namestnikov was caught in a line change. Ivan Barbashev capitalized on a golden opportunity and turned one point into two.
OH, NO, WINNIPEG 🫨
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 13, 2024
Vladislav Namestnikov makes a tough change in OT, leading right into an Ivan Barbashev snipe to end it pic.twitter.com/kQ8unfx5jH
Shea Theodore intercepts an errant pass and streaks down to the offensive zone. Here, he finds an open Barbashev, who finishes the play (and the game).
Could this carry the Golden Knights into another Stanley Cup run?
Championship teams carry specific traits that lead them to winning titles. They overcome various challenges, finding ways to win. People might hate the Kansas City Chiefs this season. But they're a perfect example of how to persevere and win.
The Vegas Golden Knights are no different, finding creative ways to make their opponents pay. It doesn't matter if it's drawing a tripping penalty or capitalizing on a bad line change. They've done everything they can to overcome their tribulations, which could give them another Stanley Cup.
It's a testament to Bruce Cassidy's team. Adin Hill (18 of 20 shots stopped on Thursday) stayed strong and gave another good performance. Victor Olofsson sniped a late goal to get a point, with Shea Theodore jumping on an overtime opportunity for the other. In short? Keep chugging and pushing.
It's a valuable lesson most teams must learn these days, whether it's your favorite NFL or NHL team. Did your favorite receiver drop his fourth pass of the game? No big deal. Find a way to overcome that and score the winning touchdown. Are you trying to beat a Vezina Trophy winner while down, 2-1? No worries. Keep attacking the net and put 36 shots on goal. Traits like this will win you championships instead of eliminating you from playoff contention.