It was a weird feeling, but a great night for Tomas Hertl. The Golden Knights center recorded a career-best five points Sunday in a 7-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, his former team, extending Vegas’s win streak to four games.
The NHL named Hertl its First Star of the Week on Monday after he tallied nine points during the streak, including a game-winning overtime goal Tuesday in Winnipeg. Against the Sharks, he scored twice and added three assists, tying a franchise record for points in a game.
“Obviously it was a decent night for me tonight, but it’s still a weird feeling,” Hertl said of playing at SAP Center. “When we play (at T-Mobile Arena), it’s fine. But here, there are a lot of memories, a lot of the same fans.”
Hertl now has 18 goals and 21 assists in 44 games this season. His first goal Sunday came on the power play after a scrappy battle near the net. The second was a one-timer, a rarity for the forward known for his work in front of the crease.
“I don’t have many of those,” Hertl said. “I’m mostly a front-of-the-net guy, getting greasy goals. When I shot it, I was like, ‘Where is the puck?’ I didn’t expect it (to be in the net).”
Coach Bruce Cassidy credited veterans like Hertl for stepping up as the team deals with injuries. The Knights (21-11-12) sit first in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the Edmonton Oilers.
“We’ve stacked some wins together, and I think guys realize it’s the second half of the year,” Cassidy said. “First half, in terms of position or points or wins, whatever you want to call it, not happy with where we were. But we talked the other day about some of the good things we’ve done with different people in and out of the lineup. But these guys are going to take ownership of the team. That’s why they have letters on their jerseys.”
The return of defenseman Shea Theodore has also helped the transition game, Cassidy noted. “We’re getting in and out of our end quicker for sure,” he said. “We’re only allowing around 20 shots a game lately, so you’re not spending a lot of time in your end.”
The Knights practice Tuesday before visiting the Los Angeles Kings (19-15-10) on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
