The Vegas Golden Knights, known for their aggressive moves before the NHL trade deadline, took a bold step by acquiring Noah Hanifin from Calgary on March 6, giving up a first-round pick in 2025 and a conditional third-rounder. This move proved fruitful when Hanifin scored the game-winning goal midway through the third period in a crucial 2-0 victory against the Dallas Stars. This win forced a Game 7 in their playoff series, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT on Sunday in Dallas.
Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy praised Noah’s performance, highlighting his ability to finish plays effectively. He emphasized Hanifin’s contributions across all aspects of the game, noting his crucial goal-scoring role in breaking the deadlock against Dallas. Cassidy acknowledged the team’s early struggles to convert chances and credited Hanifin for seizing the opportunity to capitalize on a loose puck.
Notably, Hanifin’s goal marked the first third-period goal conceded by Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger in the series, underscoring the significance of the moment and Hanifin’s impact on the game.
Adin Hill’s stellar performance in goal was instrumental in the Vegas Golden Knights’ victory, marking the fourth consecutive game where they only managed to produce two goals. Hill’s impressive 23 saves kept the Dallas Stars scoreless, contributing to his remarkable .938 save percentage since Coach Cassidy started playing him in Game 5. Despite starting the series with Logan Thompson in net, Hill’s recent performances have been crucial for the team.
Coach Cassidy lauded the goaltenders’ performance, acknowledging the intensity of the game despite its scoreless nature until the third period. Hanifin’s significant contributions were also highlighted, with the defenseman tallying five points in the six games of the series. This is particularly notable considering both teams’ limited offensive output, with the Golden Knights averaging 2.5 goals per game and the Stars at 2.33. Neither team is averaging 30 shots per game, with the Golden Knights averaging 27.7 shots.
Hanifin’s impact extended beyond just scoring, as he became the third player in the Golden Knights’ history to record multiple game-winning goals in a series, joining Jonathan Marchessault (2023, round 2) and Max Pacioretty (2021, round 2). Furthermore, Hanifin became the second Vegas defenseman to score a game-winning goal in an elimination game, following Shea Theodore’s feat in 2020.
The acquisition of Noah Hanifin and Alex Pietrangelo has proven to be a significant boon for the Vegas Golden Knights, providing them with two difference-making defensemen locked up for extended periods. Hanifin boasts an eight-year contract with the team, while Pietrangelo has three years remaining on his Vegas contract.
Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the team, Hanifin emphasized the allure of playing alongside accomplished players. He praised the team’s winning culture and expressed gratitude for being a part of it since his trade to Vegas, highlighting the positive environment within the organization.