It's no secret that the Vegas Golden Knights know how to get hot around March. Entering Saturday, they have an all-time record of 63-33-7. One man is leading the charge for the Golden Knights, helping them skyrocket up the Western Conference standings. You might know him as Tomas Hertl, a.k.a. Mr. "Fun Must Be Always."
He has seven goals and six assists in his last 10 games entering Saturday, alongside 4.3 expected goals. That includes three power play goals and an assist on the unit. Not only that, but he's tied for the team lead in goals (27). Yep, it's definitely March because the key players are heating up.
Looking back from last March, there was a good reason why Kelly McCrimmon acquired him. He was a big body that could block the front of the net, obstructing the opponent's vision. Plus, the power play desperately needed a boost. Having your franchise-best percentage be 22% in 2019-20 is uncalled for.
That's where the Prague native comes in. He has 63 career goals and 69 career assists on the unit. He also stands at 6'3" and weighs 220 lbs., making him a tough matchup. Who would dare step into his space when he's acting as the modern-day Tomas Holmstrom? Nobody, that's who.
That's also bad news for the rest of the NHL looking to win the Stanley Cup. How, you ask? Contending teams must deal with the second-best group in the league (29%) and see his Czech keester in front of the net.
It isn't just the Vegas Golden Knights power play unit that should have opponents scared, though
Let's look at the two biggest threats to the Stanley Cup in the Western Conference for a second. The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars made the biggest moves at the trade deadline, acquiring players like Mikko Rantanen and Brock Nelson. Sounds scary, right?
Well, here's the thing. Their own units have slipped up against opposing power plays, either against everyone else or the Golden Knights. The Avalanche have a penalty kill percentage of 79.3% entering Saturday, the 15th-best in the NHL. In two games, Colorado has a penalty kill percentage of 50% against the Golden Knights.
Now, you might look at the Dallas Stars and see the best penalty kill in the league (84.6%). Yes, that is true, dear reader. However, they also have a penalty kill percentage of 54.5% against the Golden Knights this season. Pete DeBoer hasn't been known for having the most stable special teams units throughout the season (see his power play units with Steve Spott in Vegas). That's what makes this pattern even more interesting.
Tomas Hertl has two goals and one assist on the power play against the Stars this season. He also has a power play assist against Colorado this season. If he awakens and becomes a factor against either team, that could be a tremendous problem. That's not even mentioning the entire league must deal with him when down a man.
Last season, Hertl was forgettable in seven postseason games. He scored only one goal during the playoffs, leading to a first-round exit. Being a non-factor is a factor in itself, causing an absence of goals for his team. This season could be vastly different with Jack Eichel finding his groove. It could also lead to another Stanley Cup, making the phrase "Fun Must Be Always" immortal.