Sometimes, it takes a bit of kick in the rear to get a team going. When you've lost four straight, you're searching for answers and solutions everywhere. It doesn't matter if you're sacrificing chickens, Jake Leschyshyn, or Josh from San Francisco. You need something to motivate you and get you going.
Sometimes, it takes being on your best behavior while the opponent's behaving like they're the spawn of Satan. The good karma and juju of the world will recognize you for your good heart. It must feel nice to have a halo around your head, even if you play in Sin City.
Luckily, that's what the Vegas Golden Knights got on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. Vegas got a much-needed 3-1 win over the Devils, snapping a four-game losing streak. The Golden Knights outshot the Devils, 25-9, through two periods.
The party started with Nicolas Roy breaking a scoreless tie with a goal off a rebound from a one-on-one rush. It was his first goal in 15 games, getting the monkey off his back. Then, Shea Theodore got a calculated goal from a redirection to make it 2-0.
"Theodore, shot — they score!"
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) February 7, 2025
"Redirect in front and the Knights have taken a 2-0 lead!"
🎙 @Dan_DUva
Shea Theodore strikes from out high to add an insurance marker for Vegas. pic.twitter.com/hpOKWQGzNI
Of course, Jack Eichel did Jack Eichel things as he added his 19th goal of the season. When you need your big-name star to get a big goal, he comes through against a Stanley Cup-contending team. That's what the Golden Knights needed, especially after losing four straight prior to Thursday's game. It's always good to see an Eichel goal for the masses.
Are there some things to improve? Absolutely. The Golden Knights had five power play opportunities and didn't cash in on any of them. There were plenty of chances to blow the game open earlier, given the team's aggressive play. But! It's always good to get in the win column, especially when you outshoot a Stanley Cup contender, 40-16.
Are the Vegas Golden Knights trending in the right direction?
Well, it's complicated to say. Jacob Markstrom (sprained MCL) is still out of action, leaving a void in net for the New Jersey Devils. No Nico Hischier also makes things easier for the Vegas Golden Knights. In short, this wasn't a Devils team that was 100%, leaving fans wondering what could've been.
However, scoring three goals with two not coming from the usual suspects is promising. A team wanting to break out of their slump must be more ruthless and relentless, whether it's with breakouts (where the Golden Knights were fantastic) or beating New Jersey in transition.
Sure, the team needed to get going after a quiet first period. That has been the motif for the Golden Knights in recent months. However, the team got a win, building their confidence for the upcoming stretch. Don't forget that teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and these Devils await for the remainder of the season.
Sometimes, it takes a complete performance to get on the right track. Despite all the obstacles and shortcomings, the Devils aren't a team to be taken lightly. Numerous superstars like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Dawson Mercer make this group a Stanley Cup contender. Fans will take quality wins whenever they can get them. Sometimes, you must be angelic to beat the Devils.