Mark Stone didn't return to the ice for the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. However, he's set to join the team soon, whether that's on Wednesday or Friday. Fans had a collective panic attack regarding the team's overall health, concerned that it would be shades of the past three seasons.
Still, that didn't deter Jack Eichel and company from taking on Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. In fact, they defeated the Oilers, 1-0. It was a tense, unorthodox game for both teams.
Usually, these games have goals from Eichel, McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl every game. The three megastars light the lamp every time these two teams meet. Surely, one of those guys would score on Tuesday, right?
Ivan Barbashev has a message from Arnold.
Barbashev scored the game's first (and only) goal, setting up a beautiful odd-man rush with Eichel. The Russian winger faked a pass to Eichel, shooting a wrist shot past Stuart Skinner.
Ivan Barbashev opens the scoring! 💈pic.twitter.com/wyP04R7Tii
— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) December 4, 2024
But the biggest star wasn't Eichel or McDavid. Instead, it was Adin Hill. The aspiring goaltender for Team Canada stopped 28 shots, leading the Golden Knights to a much-needed win. Tuesday's victory was his second shutout of the season as well.
Hill isn't just making a case for Team Canada, though. He's also making a statement regarding being the team's long-term goaltender. It might appear to be a long shot considering who needs to be re-signed. However, you can't ignore what the 28-year-old netminder is doing.
The Golden Knights improved their record to 2-0-0 against the Oilers this season. Overall, they improve their record to 16-7-3, bumping their point total to 35. Meanwhile, their division rivals fall to 13-10-2.
What's next for the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers?
The Vegas Golden Knights go back to work on Wednesday, heading to Disneyland to face the Anaheim Ducks. Could Mark Stone return and get a ride on the Magical Teacups? Stay tuned. But the Captain is returning soon, moving the Golden Knights closer to being a completely healthy team. Now that's a happy ending.
"Oobie doo! I wanna be like you-o-o, Mark Stone!"
As for the Edmonton Oilers, their next game happens on Thursday. Their opponent will be the Columbus Blue Jackets, welcoming them back into the snowy region of Alberta. It also starts a three-game home stand, where they'll also take on the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning. The road game caps off a three-game road trip for the Oilers, who won the previous two games against the Utah Hockey Club and Colorado Avalanche.
The Golden Knights and Oilers always provide intense action that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. When you have Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid, two of the best players in the world, you're bound to have drama. Tuesday's game provided every bit of it, leaving fans in suspense until the last whistle.
Golden Knight fans won't have to worry about any bad feelings, especially after rebounding from Saturday's dud. Beating a heated division rival and padding your lead in the Pacific Division is always good. But for the faithful at T-Mobile Arena, it's even better considering your team is getting healthier.