LAS VEGAS – Tomas Hertl is on fire for the Vegas Golden Knights, extending his point streak to four games with a goal in Thursday night’s 7-5 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Hertl, who has been a key contributor for Vegas lately, now has 13 goals and eight assists since January 7, bringing his total to 21 points – which ranks him 11th in the NHL.
Hertl Finds His Groove as a Center
At the start of the season, Hertl’s role with the team seemed a bit uncertain. He was shuffled between different forward lines and even shifted from center to wing due to injuries. But now, playing consistently at center, the true centerman has found his rhythm. Hertl’s chemistry with his linemate Pavel Dorofeyev has been undeniable. The two have teamed up for some impressive scoring plays, and Hertl was quick to praise his younger teammate after their recent success.
“He knows how to protect it,” Hertl said of Dorofeyev during the postgame broadcast. “Sometimes it’s not about big body, it’s just being good at protecting the puck. Over the last month or two, we’ve found some chemistry scoring goals, and we want to keep doing it to help the team.”
Power Play Success Boosts Confidence
A major factor in Hertl’s recent offensive surge has been the Golden Knights’ successful power play. His goal against Chicago marked his 11th power-play goal, tying a team record. The confidence from scoring on the man advantage has been huge for Hertl’s game.
With 44 points so far this season, Hertl is having one of the best years of his career. It’s already the sixth-most points he’s had in a single season, and he’s on track to finish with 61 points, which would rank fourth all-time in his 12-year career.
Praise for Hertl’s Consistency
Ashali Vice, the Golden Knights rinkside reporter, highlighted Hertl’s consistent play and positive attitude, saying, “Anytime you talk to this guy, he just got the biggest smile on his face, and he’s just happy to be there.” Vice continued, “The kinds of goals he’s scored are exactly as advertised – exactly what Vegas thought they were getting when he came. Seeing it on a consistent basis has been impressive, and you just hope it’s a pace he can keep up.”
Alec Martinez Returns to Vegas
The game also marked the return of Alec Martinez to Vegas, but this time wearing the colors of the Chicago Blackhawks. Martinez, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, was part of the Golden Knights’ 2022-23 Stanley Cup championship run. He received a warm tribute video from the Vegas crowd, honoring his contributions to the franchise’s success.
Tomas Hertl is proving to be a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights as he continues his impressive offensive streak. With his chemistry with Pavel Dorofeyev, success on the power play, and consistent scoring, Hertl is helping Vegas maintain a competitive edge. As the team heads into the postseason, fans will be hoping that Hertl can keep this impressive pace up.
