A scenario in one of the previous articles was proposed where the Vegas Golden Knights were kept out of the Stanley Cup Final. It featured controversy at the highest level, with people debating the definition of goaltender interference. The situation is a nightmare in itself, something the fanbase has seen before.
However, here's a more positive scenario for you, dear reader. It involves Ivan Barbashev and him going in all alone. It's overtime in the deciding game of the Western Conference Final and the Vegas Golden Knights are deadlocked with the Dallas Stars, 4-4. An errant pass from Roope Hintz leads to Barbashev intercepting the play. He takes the puck and skates down the ice. It's only the Russian forward and Jake Oettinger.
Barbashev fires a wrister past Oettinger and the Golden Knights are heading to the Stanley Cup Final. Cue up Panic at the Disco because it's time to celebrate in Toshiba Plaza again. It's an exciting time for fans as they celebrate another trip to the championship round, moving one step closer to Lord Stanley.
But let's learn more about what this is. It's the breakaway in hockey and it's one of the most exhilarating moments in the game. What does it mean to achieve such an incredible mark? Break out the pen and pad of paper because it's time to go to hockey school. Here's what the moment means in the NHL.
The definition of the breakaway (and the Vegas Golden Knights dream scenario)
The breakaway in hockey is one of the most thrilling moments of the game. It's when an attacking player heads into the opponent's defensive zone all alone, leaving him with only the goaltender to beat. The moment allows the attacking player to shoot and make a move before the opposing defenders can catch up.
Ivan Barbashev has been well-known for achieving this during his Vegas Golden Knights career. The Russian forward has been a physical force with great speed, moving past defenders without any complications. It's a part of what makes him an important piece of the team, where he can unload a goal at any time.
For Golden Knights fans, that's a much better visual than the team losing on a controversial goaltender interference call. They get their wish of seeing their team move on to the Stanley Cup Final and get an exciting moment to boot. It's what the average hockey fan wants, for they live off the game's thrill.