Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 | 11:14 p.m.
“Be ready.”
That was the only conversation Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy had with goalie Adin Hill over the last two weeks during the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Cassidy was one of Canada’s assistant coaches, while Hill was selected to play in the first international tournament of his career. However, he didn’t see any ice time for Canada.
Jordan Binnington backstopped Canada in all four games, helping them win the 4 Nations Face-Off championship over the United States.
“He needed to be fresh enough and worked enough to be ready to go in the net for Team Canada if his name was called,” Cassidy said.
Hill on Saturday played his first game in two weeks, making 33 saves in a 3-1 Golden Knights victory over the visiting Vancouver Canucks.
Some wondered how ready Hill would be after the layoff. He certainly didn’t look rusty.
“I felt fine,” Hill said. “I got to play the puck quite a bit early, which is always nice and got to get a little feel for the game.”
Hill stopped all 18 of the shots he faced in the third period in giving the Golden Knights their first home win in almost a month.They last played at home on Jan. 30 in part because of the 4 Nations Face-Off pause.
And at one point of the period, Hill had his stick knocked out of his hand, spending a good chunk of time playing without a stick before the stoppage came.
“I wanted to try and get my stick but didn’t have the chance there,” Hill said. “I was just trying to find my position, stay on my feet, and just try and get a whistle as soon as I could. I was lucky enough to swallow that one up in my chest.”
The emotional factors of the tournament, good and bad, really didn’t impact Hill. On the plane ride back to Vegas, Cassidy asked Hill if he needed time to recover a bit or if he’d be ready to start on Saturday.
“He (Hill) hadn’t played in a while, so I knew that part would be exciting for him,” Cassidy said. “He wanted to get back in the net. He’s a competitive guy, and we’ll see where it leads with his workload going forward.”
Hill doesn’t have any negative feelings about his time at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He views it as a great learning experience.
“Going to the Four Nations and being with that group of guys, that coaching staff and Hockey Canada culture was special,” Hill said. “It’s something I’ll remember forever. Getting to skate with those guys every day in practice was a treat.”
Ivan Barbashev, Brandon Saad and Tomas Hertl each scored in the win.
Barbashev netted his first goal in two months in the second period to tie the game 1-1 and Saad scored off a rebound to make it 2-1.
With 30 seconds left in the game, Hertl put away Brett Howden’s missed attempt on the empty net to add insurance and make it a 3-1 game.
Saad’s goal was his third point in five games since signing with the Golden Knights on Jan. 31. This was his first game with the franchise at T-Mobile Arena.
“When you win hockey games, you’re scoring goals and contributing, and you’re going to feel good about yourself,” Saad said. “Just taking it a day at a time. The guys have been great and welcoming so far, and it’s been fun.”