Golden Knights rookie Trevor Connelly scored crucial tying goals in consecutive games to help Vegas earn three of a possible four points on its season-long four-game road trip. The 20-year-old forward netted a sharp-angled shot to tie the game 2-2 midway through the third period against Boston on Monday, then added a highlight-reel breakaway goal to level the score in the third period Tuesday against Pittsburgh, a game the Knights won 3-2.
Connelly leads all NHL rookies with six goals, tied with Boston's James Hagens for the most among first-year players, and is one of four rookies in double-digit scoring. His recent production ended a five-game goal drought, his longest of the season. "He's starting to make those big plays in those big moments for us," coach Ryan Craig said. "I thought a very big goal for us to get tied up and reset us."
The early success has come with physical costs. Connelly absorbed a heavy hit into the boards from Boston defenseman Charlie McAvoy on Monday, briefly leaving the game before returning. On Tuesday, his breakaway goal ended with him crashing neck-first into the goal post. Connelly said he is learning to trust his first instinct on the ice, noting that second-guessing himself earlier in the season led to missed opportunities.
Connelly credited veteran linemates Mitch Marner and Tomas Hertl for easing his transition. "A lot of support from these guys, especially Hertl," Connelly said. "He's helped me so much through this first half of the season." The rookie said his focus remains simple: "Just trying to win. Trying to put my best foot down every shift, going out there and giving it my best effort."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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