Golden Knights forward Victor Olofsson recorded a goal and two assists in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Utah Mammoth, extending his strong play since returning from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for a month. The 31-year-old has nine points through seven games this season, with four of those coming in the three games since he rejoined the lineup Thursday in Detroit.
Olofsson opened the season with four goals in his first four games before a cross-check from behind by Seattle's Ben Meyers on Oct. 6 forced him out of the lineup. The injury stirred difficult memories of his first stint with the Knights two seasons ago, when a lower-body injury cost him a month-and-a-half after a similar fast start. "He took care of himself for three, four weeks and got back, and it looks like he didn't miss anything," linemate Ivan Barbashev said. "He's been outstanding."
Olofsson acknowledged some early rust but said his confidence and conditioning are improving. "I think it's been a little rusty, but it feels like I'm getting there," he said. "I feel more confident and my legs feel a little bit better now after a few games. Hopefully it will be even better." He joked that a fanned shot that turned into a perfect pass for Barbashev's tap-in goal was intentional: "I fanned on that pretty good and it ended up being a perfect pass. I wish I could have said it was a pass."
Coach Ryan Craig praised Olofsson's attention to detail and two-way play, noting his effectiveness on the wall and in defensive situations alongside his offensive threat. Craig credited the third line's forechecking and direct style for its recent success, with center Tomas Hertl scoring twice against Buffalo on Sunday and Barbashev posting two assists and a plus-3 rating. Olofsson said playing with Hertl and Barbashev helps because they excel at puck possession, allowing him to find open space.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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