Recap: The Golden Knights were hoping to start their five-game road trip off with a victory in New Jersey. The Devils thought they had taken the opening lead, but Vegas successfully challenged the goal to be offside. Minutes later, the Golden Knights also had a goal called back due to a clear high stick. With :15 left in the opening frame, Shea Theodore broke the scoreless tie with his fourth goal of the season.
Both teams traded chances, but neither could find the back of the net. After 40 minutes, the Golden Knights held a 1-0 edge.
The Devils were awarded multiple power plays but couldn’t score on former teammate Akira Schmid. Tomas Hertl extended VGK’s lead with a late-game power play goal. Ivan Barbashev scored his 10th of the season with time winding down. The Golden Knights secured the 3-0 victory.
The Golden Knights record improves to 13-6-8 defeating the Devils 3-0 in New Jersey. Next up, Vegas will take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Puck drop against Rangers is scheduled for 4 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights scored late in the 1st period on what looked like a harmless shot and they made it stand up from there. Akira Schmid was excellent between the pipes and Vegas held firm defensively pretty much the entire night. Somewhat of a boring game to be honest. (Analysis by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.
- Blocked shot numbers plummeting
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Shea Theodore
** Tomas Hertl
* Akira Schmid
DL
Schmid is awesome! And the team seems to play hard(er) for him.
Jack Hammer
YES!
knights fan in minny
Good solid team win Nothing fancy Schmid Was dialed in
hdbiker7851
Interesting they seem to play better on the road than at home. Let’s keep it going Sunday is right around the corner.
TS
The team played like the team we know– a confident, winning team! Great start to the road trip!
Larry
I was working and got home to watch the last 14 minutes, team played excellent defense not giving up really any high danger chances even while a man short.
I realize they were protecting a lead which lends itself to a more cautious and deliberate offensive style, but I also must make note of the complete lack of 5×5 offensive creativity and chances, it is an issue that must be addressed and corrected in the very near future.
Pistol Pete
More about finishing than chances Larry. Not saying we can’t up the finishing but it’s always hard for all teams pretty much. Just keep getting the puck to the net and we ARE seeing that!
DeezNutz
Schmid definitely stuck it to me tonight (no diddy) he will no longer be referred to as Shakira Mid moving forward unless he pisses me off. Team is looking much better but goals are still coming at a premium considering the chances they generate. Good job tonight boys
Pistol Pete
Points pace 34/27×82 =103 the OTL points really add up!
Pistol Pete
Tough trip (NJD record is prior to this game):
NJD 16-10-1
NYR 15-12-2
NYI 15-19-3
PHI 15-8-3
CBJ 13-9-5
Pistol Pete
Connelly gets another since I last posted his numbers (7GP/3G/4A/0)
The D Viliam Kmec’s numbers are solid gotta like that +3 (14GP/0G/5A/+3). Contributing offensively with 5A. Guy is heavy, long and can skate.
Pistol Pete
Another Kaeden Korczak? Very possibly so imo. Possible replacement for Lauzon 2025-26 or sooner?
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Defenseman Viliam Kmec is currently playing for the Henderson Silver Knights (the AHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights) and developing his game in Henderson, Nevada.
After an impressive 2024-25 season with the Prince George Cougars in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he had his best statistical season (61 points in 65 games), Kmec joined the Silver Knights for a few games to conclude the season and began the 2025-26 season with the team.
Development and Performance:
Pro Transition: Kmec signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Golden Knights in September 2024 and transitioned to professional hockey at the start of the current season.
Role: He is seen as a solid defensive prospect with good size (6’3″, 220 lbs) who makes a strong first pass and is willing to join the offense.
Current Season (2025-26): In the current AHL season, he has recorded 5 assists in 12 games played as of December 6, 2025.
Outlook: The organization views him as a late bloomer with NHL-ready size who could potentially fast-track his way to the NHL should the Golden Knights need a call-up.
Kmec is a part of a group of blueline prospects that the Silver Knights are focused on developing this season.
Pistol Pete
Bowman is just really looking like he is here to stay maybe even stay with Eichel because basically he’s been another Barbashev. He goes to the front of that net by default is big and tough enough that he’s hard to move, reliable on the walls, strong on the puck and gets the hell back into his own end, This does not look at all like a one off, he’s been consistent and should only get better. Very impressive. Who needs high picks when your scouts can find guys like this?
Vic
Agree. He looks like a natural. Would be nice to have some high draft picks but of course that would mean a few years of failure in order to draft high, or a trade to move up which is almost impossible right now.
With the exception of a few forwards who can’t find the back of the net, the boys are looking much better. Whether it’s winning battles, checking, creating good chances or preventing the other team from getting good chances, those things have improved. Onward to better things.
Pistol Pete
Have the Golden Knights ever had three point a game players (Eichel, Stone, Marner) 27 games in? I don’t think so.
Pistol Pete
Stone btw and I did not realize his stats with the VGK have been this strong is 371 pts in 351 games. 20 pts over a point a game (1.06 pts/game) compared to Eichel’s 19 points over though Eichel has just 268 games with the VGK (1.07 pts/game). I think we all sort of suspect that with all Marner’s assists he could down the road finish with the record for VGK points/game. Should be close between him and Eichel.
Pistol Pete
Correction: Marner is actually one point under a point a game right now but close enough right? He’s been a point + most all the season.
JB
Schmid is so calm in the net. No flopping around. I like him. Hope Hart is not out long, want to see him more. Hill is losing ground to these guys? Let’s get em Sunday!
vgk21
Schmid has the best win % of any goalie in Vgk history.
10-2-4 this season
2-0-1 last season
10-2-4 2.35 .903
2-0-1 1.26 .944
just sayin’