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Why Tomas Hertl Will Be MVP of the Vegas Golden Knights vs. the Dallas Stars

It's no secret that Tomas Hertl has impacted the Vegas Golden Knights positively. So why will he be the MVP in the series against the Dallas Stars?

By Jacob Walters |
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages
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All the hype surrounding the Vegas Golden Knights seems to be centered around one man: Mark Stone. The captain is cleared to practice with the team after lacerating his spleen in February. The hockey world is wondering when the Winnipeg native will return, making the Golden Knights exponentially better. But the one big acquisition suddenly left in the dust has been Tomas Hertl.

Acquired from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline, the Czech superstar has impacted the Golden Knights positively. His presence will be felt in the first round against the Dallas Stars, making him a key player. How so, you might ask?

1. Tomas Hertl Has Made the Power Play Better

Anaheim Ducks v Vegas Golden Knights
Anaheim Ducks v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

The Vegas Golden Knights have never had a great power play. The unit has been marred by various miscues and a lack of a presence up front. That's why they got Tomas Hertl to remedy the issues. So far, that impact's being felt by the Golden Knights.

In their last six games, the Golden Knight have scored seven power play goals on 15 opportunities. With a power play goal and power play assist, the former Shark has boosted the unit. How has Hertl made the Golden Knights more dangerous on the man advantage?

2. Hertl Provides a Big Body Up Front

Chicago Blackhawks v Vegas Golden Knights
Chicago Blackhawks v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

Another reason why the Vegas Golden Knights haven't had a successful power play in the past is because of the lack of a big body. It was always tough for a Golden Knight like Stone to cut in front, acting as an upfront presence. But with Hertl, that's changed.

Standing at 6'3" and weighing in at 215 lbs., the center's big presence in front of the net makes Vegas deadlier offensively. Now, the Golden Knights can just use Hertl for redirects or for making the goalie's viewpoint more difficult. No longer will Vegas worry about giving the opposition any easy looks.

3. Tomas Hertl is a Great Two-Way Player

Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

If there's one thing Bruce Cassidy can't get enough of, it's two-way players. Cassidy loves guys who play a 200-ft. game, with a strong forecheck and offensive capabilities. Tomas Hertl fits the description for both, making him one of the most dangerous players on the Vegas Golden Knights.

Being a big physical body has its benefits. You can check people and cause havoc in front of the net. However, Hertl's offensive skills need no introduction. He's tough to defend in the offensive zone, using his size and puck-handling to his advantage. The Czech player also has the playmaking instincts to be a force, making him second-to-none offensively.

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