The Golden Knights finally got the bounce-back they desperately needed.
After a frustrating five-game skid filled with near-misses and close calls, Vegas came into their matchup against the last-place Vancouver Canucks looking for more than just a win - they needed a reset. And they got one in emphatic fashion, putting five past Vancouver in a 5-2 victory that snapped the losing streak and injected some much-needed energy into the locker room.
Let’s break down what went right for the Golden Knights in this one - and why it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Ivan Barbashev is heating up at the perfect moment
Ivan Barbashev is back on the scoresheet - and back in rhythm. After a quiet stretch earlier in the season, the top-line winger has now scored in four straight games, and his latest tally was a beauty.
Following quick goals from Jack Eichel and Cole Reinhardt that gave Vegas a 2-0 lead, Vancouver answered with a goal of their own - but Barbashev wasted no time restoring the cushion. Just 29 seconds later, he buried a slick feed from Mark Stone, who delivered a behind-the-back drop pass that was as smooth as it was unexpected.
That goal made it three straight scoring shots for Vegas and four straight games with a goal for Barbashev - a streak that has him looking like the player who helped power Vegas through key stretches last season. Now reunited with Eichel and Stone on the top line, Barbashev is finding his groove again, and that’s huge for a team looking to regain its offensive identity.
Akira Schmid delivers a highlight-reel save - and a bounce-back performance
If there’s one moment that defined this game, it might be Akira Schmid’s jaw-dropping save in the second period - a sprawling, last-ditch effort that robbed Pierre-Olivier Joseph of what looked like a sure goal.
It was the kind of stop that gets replayed for weeks and earns a spot on year-end highlight reels. But more importantly for Vegas, it was a sign that Schmid is settling into his role as the team’s go-to netminder. After a shaky outing against Seattle, where his puck-tracking left something to be desired, Schmid responded with a composed, confident performance.
He stopped 21 of 23 shots on the night and shut out the Canucks in both the first and third periods - exactly the kind of steady presence Vegas has been searching for between the pipes. With the Olympic break approaching and Schmid a likely candidate to start for Switzerland, this was the kind of momentum-building game he needed.
A promising debut for Kai Uchacz
Vegas fans got their first look at undrafted prospect Kai Uchacz, who made his NHL debut and held his own on the fourth line. He didn’t pick up a point, but his line - featuring roommate Braeden Bowman and Cole Reinhardt - made an impact early, with Bowman and Reinhardt combining for the team’s second goal.
Uchacz showed flashes of the physical, high-motor game that earned him the call-up, and with several forwards still out due to injury, he should get a decent runway to prove he belongs. It’s a small sample size, but the early signs are encouraging.
Saying goodbye to a jersey era
Wednesday night also marked the end of an era for Vegas - at least in terms of aesthetics. The Golden Knights wore their steel grey alternate jerseys for the final time, closing the book on a look that’s been part of the franchise’s identity since the early days.
Those greys have seen a lot - including the team’s first run to the Stanley Cup Final - and while a new Stadium Series jersey and another alternate are on the way, there’s a certain nostalgia in seeing them go. Vegas fans will no doubt be eager to see what’s next, but for now, a tip of the cap to a jersey that helped define the Knights’ early years.
What’s next?
The win over Vancouver was the first half of a back-to-back, and the Golden Knights won’t have long to enjoy it - they’re right back at it against the Kings tonight. But with Barbashev rolling, Schmid finding his form, and young players stepping up, Vegas suddenly has some momentum again.
After a tough stretch, this was the kind of performance that can spark a turnaround. We’ll see if they can carry it into the second half of the set - but for now, the Golden Knights are back in the win column, and that’s a start.