Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 | 2 a.m.
The Vegas Golden Knights had little to no business holding the Edmonton Oilers scoreless in the third period.
They recorded two shots in the third, both of which came in the first three minutes of the period. From 16:48 to the end of the game, Vegas was on defense.
The Oilers’ switch to put Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line scorched the Golden Knights, getting outshot 16-2. Edmonton got the puck on net in the final 20 minutes as many times as Vegas did in the game.
However, 28 saves by Adin Hill and a vastly improved defense inched the Golden Knights past the Oilers, 1-0. Vegas’ lone goal came from Ivan Barbashev in the first period.
It’s a massive defensive turnaround for Vegas after losing to the Utah Hockey Club, 6-0, three days ago.
“It just didn’t go well,” Barbashev said on the Golden Knights loss to Utah. “We did a really good job in the third period (of the Utah game). We were just trying to prepare for the next game, and that’s what we did.”
The Golden Knights offense sputtered in the third period against the Oilers, but they weren’t going to let that affect their defense.
Adjustments were made on defense to counter two of the league’s strongest offensive players, forcing them to the “edges” and limiting their opportunities.
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said that the team emphasized defensive basics in practice on Monday and Tuesday following the loss to Utah.
“We worked on some basic competition and D-zone stick details and reinforced some habits that we weren’t able to do,” Cassidy said. “It’s tough to do that in morning skates. We tried a couple of times in very minor situations, but even then, with that manpower, it was hard to do so.
“A quick video review today on Edmonton and I think we understood how they can create offense.”
While Vegas’ skaters followed a defensive plan put in place, Hill stood on his head in the third period. Edmonton could’ve set up camp in the Golden Knights zone, but Hill did not budge.
The Golden Knights also didn’t get any special teams to work in, as there were no penalties on either team. It’s the first time in 80 years that there were no penalty minutes in a game that had a goal or fewer.
“I feel good about my game right now,” Hill said. “I’m just staying in my net and more in the paint. I’m kind of just catching my edges on my feet more often and just making the game up easier.”
A dominant performance just hours before the NHL is set to announce rosters for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, Hill may have just locked up a spot with Canada. He’s projected to be in the three-goaltender rotation and hopes that can become a reality.
“I hope I can make the team. It’d be a dream come true,” Hill said. “You grow up kind of hoping you put on that sweater one day. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Although Vegas’ offensive performance wasn’t where it wanted it to be, it is viewed as a victory because of the strength and improvement of its defense.
“We would like to have generated more offense, but defensively, we were solid, and Hilly (Adin Hill) was there when we needed him,” Cassidy said.