Last season was an arrival of sorts for Tomas Hertl. The Vegas Golden Knights center set the record for the most single-season power play goals (14) and had 32 goals. In turn, he elevated the Golden Knights' power play to new heights, making them the second-best unit in the league (28.3%).
Tack on nine power play assists and there's a reason why Kelly McCrimmon acquired him in 2024. He needed someone in the slot to get down and dirty. The San Jose Sharks were willing to part with the "Fun Must Be Always" ambassador and sent him to Vegas.
That sounds nice and all. However, one thing can elevate his game to another level. It can lead him to shatter new franchise records (*cough* *cough* most goals scored in a season) and becoming a bigger focal point of the offense.
In turn, it can also lead the Golden Knights to *GASP* another Stanley Cup! What better way to melt the minds of 31 other NHL teams than to unleash the Prague native onto the masses? It would lead to mass chaos across North America and have your rivals crying in their pillows. Here's what Hertl must do to make that happen.
Tomas Hertl must be better on even strength for the Vegas Golden Knights
Take away those 14 power play goals for a second. Without those 14 power play goals, you have... 18 even-strength goals. That's rather underwhelming when looking at his goal total from 2024-25.
Therefore, the goal is simple. Be more present on even strength opportunities. That way, you can add more meat to the Golden Knights attack and aid the goal-scoring. However, doing it is much more complex.
You see, Hertl's not as apt at skating up and down the ice as he is being an up-front presence. Considering the Golden Knights are more aggressive at forechecking and transitioning off the rush, that's a problem.
So, why not use that power play presence and apply it to even-strength opportunities? That way, he can make life a nightmare for opposing goaltenders and jump on more deflections and passes. Of course, that means avoiding goaltender interference, which can be confusing.
Still, watching Hertl soar in even-strength opportunities will help the Golden Knights elevate themselves in the process. Earlier, three things were mentioned regarding what will determine if the Golden Knights win a Stanley Cup. Believe it or not, the 31-year-old can push them closer to making that dream a reality in June by dominating even-strength.