Ivan Barbashev scored two goals during a three-goal second period to help the Golden Knights defeat the Utah Mammoth 5-3 on Wednesday, extending the team's winning streak to four games. The performance doubled Barbashev's season goal total and came in his second game on a reconfigured third line with center Tomas Hertl and forward Victor Olofsson.
Barbashev's first goal came on a deflected pass from Olofsson that allowed for an easy tap-in. His second was a highlight-reel effort in which he weaved through three Utah defenders before scoring in close, a play the Review-Journal described as a goal-of-the-year candidate. Olofsson assisted on both of Barbashev's goals and scored the line's other tally in the period.
Barbashev was moved off the top line to make room for rookie Trevor Connelly, but coach Ryan Craig said the change was not a demotion. Craig noted there has been "more of a directness" to Barbashev's game recently, which has led to him being rewarded on the scoresheet. The third line has now produced in back-to-back games after Hertl scored twice in a win over Buffalo on Sunday.
"I've said it multiple times: You can play with anybody on this team," Barbashev said. "Everybody's skilled ... everybody's working hard. It's been fun." He added that the line simply tried to play a simple game and help each other out. Olofsson, playing in his third game since returning from injury, has recorded points in two of those three contests.
While the third line thrived, the top unit featuring Connelly, Jack Eichel and Mark Stone has looked disjointed over the past two games. The Knights would prefer to keep the current alignment to maximize forward depth, though Barbashev's strong play suggests he may not remain on the third line for long.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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