Tomas Hertl surpassed Erik Haula for a prestigious Vegas Golden Knights record on Saturday. He did it on the power play, getting a feed from Mark Stone for the game-tying goal. Granted, it took the crowd a few seconds to see what the center did. But it was the energizer needed to get Vegas to a 3-1 first-period lead over Detroit.
"Now in front — they score! It's Hertl!"
— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) March 23, 2025
"Power play goal! 1-1 tie!"
🎙 @Dan_DUva
Tomas Hertl gets the Knights on the board in the first period. pic.twitter.com/VGzVpcPQVV
If you haven't guessed yet, it's the record for most single-season power play goals. Haula previously held the record, scoring 12 in 2017-18. But Hertl's goal in front solidified him as the franchise leader for single-season goals.
It's no wonder Vegas had the second-best power play (28.9%) unit heading into Saturday's game. The Czech native has been instrumental in being a big body up front. Now, teams must account for him and Mark Stone to tackle the special teams unit. That causes an undying headache that even the Detroit Red Wings experienced on the penalty kill.
What's funnier about this is he wasn't the only Golden Knight competing for that record. In fact, there's a surging Russian that wants the most single-season power play goals. One shouldn't be surprised that he could have a friendly competition for the records for years. Who is this mystery man with 12 power play goals?
Pavel Dorofeyev was also tied for most single-season power play goals in Vegas Golden Knights history
That's right. Pavel Dorofeyev was also competing for Erik Haula's single-season record. It shouldn't be a surprise that he has 12 power play goals heading into Saturday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. But his special teams surge is part of why he leads the team in goals scored (30).
What's funny about this is the sharp contrast in power play styles. Tomas Hertl is well-known for getting down and dirty in front of the goaltender. He's not afraid to take a set-up from Stone or Eichel and bury it home.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old forward has taken Jonathan Marchessault's former role and ran with it. He's become the team's reliable sniper, blistering a hard puck from the point. The result? Goals galore and fans forgetting about an "Original Misfit."
Regardless, both player's contrasting styles have served as a needed balance for Vegas this season. The Golden Knights desperately needed a sniper after Marchessault started hanging out with Dolly Parton. They also needed more size up front because teams weren't scared of Mark Stone. Lo and behold, the two styles have served the second-best power play in the NHL well.
Who will have the single-season power play goals record: Dorofeyev or Tomas Hertl?
Both players have plausible cases for grabbing the record by season's end. For Hertl, it's tough to cover a 6'3" player who serves as the modern-day Tomas Holmstrom. That makes life easier for Stone or Eichel to feed the man up front for a power play goal.
Meanwhile, you have an emerging Pavel Dorofeyev. The Russian forward continues evolving his game and hardening his shot. He's developing his offensive instincts and is playing much better away from the puck. Hertl has the fast track to grabbing the single-season record. However, don't be surprised if the 24-year-old grabs it for himself.
The good thing about this friendly competition is how dangerous it's made the power play. The Golden Knights haven't had a special teams unit this strong since their inception. The little battle could help propel Vegas to another Stanley Cup. Now that's as random as seeing a street performer on Fremont Street.