The upcoming goaltender matchup will feel unusual for Vegas Golden Knights fans

Vegas Golden Knights fans have been through a lot last summer. First, they watched Logan Thompson get traded to the Washington Capitals for two third-round picks in the NHL Draft (one in 2024, which was used on Pavel Moysevich, and one in 2025). Adin Hill was given the nod at starting goaltender, whereas Thompson wanted a new challenge.

Kelly McCrimmon obliged, sending Thompson to the nation's capital to test his luck as a netminder. Now the Calgary native will have the ultimate opportunity to show his former team what he's capable of. Will he rise to the challenge against the Golden Knights? Stay tuned because Tuesday's matchup will provide plenty of fireworks like the Fourth of July.

It'll be bittersweet for Golden Knights fans who remember Thompson's contributions during the Stanley Cup-winning season. He posted a GAA of 2.65 and a save percentage of .915 in 2022-23, adding two shutouts. It was a breakout season of sorts, showing hockey fans how valuable he was during his Vegas tenure.

Let's explore the comparison between both netminders further. Hill and Thompson added a particular element to the goaltending games, keeping the Golden Knights in each contest. What did the two have in common? How did each goalie stand out from the competition? It's time to prep before Tuesday's colossal matchup between Vegas and Washington with a netminding breakdown.

Comparing Logan Thompson and Adin Hill

Logan Thompson (6'4") and Adin Hill (6'4") had plenty to offer for the Vegas Golden Knights in the past two seasons. Both were big goaltenders that took up plenty of space. In turn, they could use their size to turn away countless shots with their bodies. It made life a living nightmare for numerous opposing forwards, for they didn't have to move an inch.

However, one of these goaltenders put on a more athletic show. That would be Thompson, who wasn't afraid to show his acrobatics in tight situations. Take this sequence against the Winnipeg Jets and Cole Perfetti as a perfect example.

Compare that to Hill, who is more apt to absorb shots. That's not to say he won't make an acrobatic save or two like Thompson, as proven by his Stanley Cup Final heroics. However, the Golden Knights starter is getting used to his goaltending body, making key saves in the process. That could be bad news for the Washington Capitals, who don't look like the scoring machine they once were.

Who's the better netminder?

It's a close call between both players. If you're seeking a better playoff performer, Adin Hill's your guy. If you want someone who moves well and can go the distance in a game, you'd want Logan Thompson. Each goalie makes a solid case for being the better man in Tuesday's game.

Let's use last season as another example. Here's a breakdown of both netminders and what fans can expect tomorrow between the Golden Knights and Washington Capitals.

The stats are frighteningly close, with a case for either goaltender being the better option. Some will lean towards the Stanley Cup hero while others will go with the current Capitals netminder. Tuesday's game will show who's the better man, ending the debate once and for all.