Hertl Strikes Twice as Golden Knights Escape Pittsburgh 3-2
Pittsburgh had the better of this game for long stretches and still went home empty. The Penguins out-attempted Vegas 57-40 and created the more dangerous looks, but the Golden Knights finished what they got and left with a 3-2 win.
The chance gap was real: Pittsburgh's looks were worth 3.18 expected goals (how many goals the chances should produce on average), against 2.30 for Vegas. The difference was in net. Adin Hill stopped 23 of 25, including 7 of 9 from the most dangerous areas, and saved 1.18 goals more than an average goalie would have on those shots. At the other end, Arturs Silovs allowed 3 on 23.
Special teams settled it. Vegas scored on 2 of 4 power plays; Pittsburgh went 0 for 6. Tomas Hertl scored twice, Trevor Connelly added one, and Jack Eichel set up two. Brett Howden also rang a shot off the post.
For Pittsburgh, Tommy Novak led the way with a goal, an assist and 5 shots on a line with Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell, who also scored. The Penguins made the chances; Vegas made the goals.
