The past two games have seen a surprising contributor for the Vegas Golden Knights. His name is Tanner Pearson and he made the team on a professional tryout this past offseason. Now? He's helping the fourth line thrive, providing timely scoring when needed.
That was on full display on Monday, when he tied the game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Watch how he shoots a wrist shot from inside the faceoff circle.
TANNER. PEARSON. 🍐 pic.twitter.com/sUHeWRsQep
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) November 26, 2024
Eventually, the Golden Knights defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in a shootout, 5-4. Two crucial points capped off a successful road trip, regardless of Wednesday's contest against the Colorado Avalanche. But Pearson's contributions made the trip much easier.
The bottom line has been productive throughout most of the five-game road trip. Let's start with Pearson, who's scored a goal in the past two games. He's been joined by Keegan Kolesar, whose forechecking prowess set up golden opportunities. He even got a goal from the ordeal on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. It's no wonder those contract extension rumblings are growing louder by the day.
With the six points on the road trip, Golden Knights fans can rest easy knowing that first place is more secure than when the trip started. Imagine if Pearson doesn't get a late goal against the Flyers on Monday. It wouldn't been mass hysteria, where fans are screaming about the team's lack of depth.
How Pearson's goals set the tone for the upcoming home stand
After this long five-game road trip comes a three-game home stand against formidable competition. The Winnipeg Jets are the NHL's best team with 36 points, while the Edmonton Oilers are turning everything around. As for the Utah Hockey Club? Well, they've been tricky to play against, providing the Vegas Golden Knights with a test in both contests.
Pearson's contributions stabilize the bottom lines while the club heals up, specifically with players like Mark Stone and Victor Olofsson resting. Once these players return, the Golden Knights will return to having a healthy, functional offense. That's bad news for the rest of the NHL, especially with the unit already the fourth-highest unit in goals per game (3.86).
That depth will also come in handy against the Jets and Oilers. Both teams will require the Golden Knights to be at or near full capacity, specifically if these games become barnburners. Without Tanner Pearson or Keegan Kolesar, the bottom units lose their offensive bite, where teams can control each zone.
That's why it's important for Pearson to turn this into a hot streak. It can't just be on the top line, despite Jack Eichel being an elite player (34 points, tied for third in the NHL). It must be all units contributing to the cause, making Pearson's job much more important.
Overall, the former first-round pick was vital in yesterday's game, given his impeccable timing to tie the game. That timing will come in handy for the three-game home stand, where tougher teams will infiltrate T-Mobile Arena. That's right. It's the "all hands on deck" mantra and Pearson will be at the center of that mindset.