The Vegas Golden Knights are riding high, and the timing couldn’t be better - especially with Adin Hill making his long-awaited return to the crease. After months on the shelf, the 6-foot-4 netminder is back on the ice, looking sharp in warmups and reconnecting with teammates like he never left. And with the team on a five-game winning streak heading into Thursday’s matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the buzz around Hill’s return - coinciding with his own bobblehead night, no less - is real.
But let’s not get too caught up in the good vibes just yet. Hill’s return is more than just a feel-good story - it’s a pivotal moment for a team that’s had its share of turbulence in net this season.
Whether it’s been raw rookies, shaky consistency, or a revolving door of injuries, Vegas has had to scramble, even bringing in Carter Hart to stabilize things. Now, with Hill set to start for the first time since October 20, the Golden Knights are hoping their No. 1 can bring some much-needed stability back to the crease.
Tempered Expectations for Hill’s First Start Back
Let’s be honest - Hill probably isn’t going to come out of the gate looking like a Vezina finalist. His numbers before the injury weren’t exactly eye-popping: a 2.73 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage over five starts.
Small sample size? Sure.
But those games were back in October, and early-season rust isn’t new territory for Hill.
In fact, this has been part of his pattern. Last season, Hill had an even rougher October - a 3.20 GAA and a .878 save percentage over six starts.
But the story didn’t end there. He rebounded in a big way, finishing the season with career-best marks in GAA (2.47), save percentage (.906), and four shutouts.
That bounce-back earned him a six-year contract and solidified his place as a key piece of the Golden Knights’ core.
So if things look a little shaky early on, don’t hit the panic button. Rust is expected, especially when you factor in the absence of key defensive contributors like Brayden McNabb and William Karlsson.
Those are the kind of two-way players who make a goalie’s life a whole lot easier. Without them, Hill will need time to settle back into rhythm - and that’s okay.
It’s Not All on Hill - Vegas Needs to Step Up in Front of Him
Here’s the reality: Hill’s success in net is directly tied to how well the Golden Knights defend in front of him. When the defense is clicking - clearing shooting lanes, boxing out attackers, keeping sticks active - Hill can do what he does best: use his big frame to smother pucks and control rebounds.
He’s not a goalie who relies on flashy, acrobatic saves. His game is built on positioning, efficiency, and letting the puck hit him.
But when that defensive structure breaks down? Things get dicey.
And that’s been the story for much of this season. Vegas has struggled at times to maintain its usual defensive identity, and that’s put added pressure on whoever’s between the pipes.
With Hill returning, the team has to tighten up - not just for his sake, but to keep this winning streak alive and maintain their spot atop the standings.
That means forwards tracking back with urgency, defensemen staying disciplined in their gaps, and everyone buying into the team-first mentality that’s defined Vegas hockey since Day One. It’s not just about Hill playing well - it’s about the team giving him the support he needs to succeed.
A Big Night - and a Bigger Opportunity
Thursday’s game isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s Adin Hill Bobblehead Night, a celebration of a player who’s become a fan favorite and a key figure in the Golden Knights’ recent success. But more importantly, it’s a chance for Hill to turn the page and start writing the next chapter of his season.
Will he be perfect? Probably not.
But if history tells us anything, it’s that Hill knows how to find his groove - and when he does, he can be a game-changer. For a Vegas team with championship aspirations, getting their top goalie back in rhythm could be the difference between a strong playoff push and an early exit.
So while all eyes may be on stars like Mitch Marner on the other side of the ice, don’t overlook the significance of No. 33’s return. The Golden Knights are rolling, and with Adin Hill back in net, they just might be getting even stronger.