Noah Hanifin Is Beginning To Shine for The Golden Knights

Noah Hanifin has seen his offence slow to start for Vegas Golden Knights, but after an impressive showing against Utah HC he believes it has begun to surface for them. View original article to view embedded media. Hanifin tied the game during Saturday’s match-up against Utah with a buzzer-beating goal and is considered a potential impact player going forward for them. He read the play perfectly and timed his drive towards the net just in time to tap home a loose puck. His goal was the catalyst that ignited an offensive frenzy; shortly thereafter, William Karlsson scored three more times this season with him as an assist. And to top it all off, Karlsson showed his skating and passing ability by setting up the goal himself! Hanifin used his feet to retrieve the puck in his own end, outskate Matias Maccelli to the centre ice line before passing to Karlsson in stride for his game-winner. Furthermore, Hanifin notched another primary assist on Brett Howden’s overtime marker! Confidence is essential in any athlete’s game – Hanifin certainly embodies it! Hanifin was selected fifth overall at the 2015 NHL draft and made note that scoring helped alter his mindset: “Any time something like this occurs, it gives your body and mind time to adapt; you get into the flow of play faster,” stated Hanifin. “That is exactly the game I have been striving towards for a while – getting up into play while using my skating ability and opening some ways for other players – not wanting to spend too much time defending. So it is key for us all just to continue building off that game.” Hanifin: That is exactly the game I have been striving to attain for some time now – getting up into play using both feet and skating ability, opening up different avenues of attack for other players when possible. Hanifin has made an immediate and positive impression since arriving in Vegas, quickly winning over head coach Bruce Cassidy with his ability to defend against rushes while efficiently moving puck. The Golden Knights quickly extended Hanifin a contract extension in hopes he can continue to evolve his game and add fresh elements. Cassidy discussed what was expected from Hanifin: “Hannifin needs to find his offensive game more,” according to Cassidy. “He expects and relies upon to contribute something of substance to his team, and feels letdown if that contribution doesn’t materialise. We know he has it because we saw it last season in Calgary and Carolina so you know it will come – in fact you may already be starting to witness its fruits.” Yes, I believe this has meant an immense amount to him personally. Similar to many of our players who receive their first opportunity sooner rather than later; but ultimately we need defensive players who can become offensive threats as part of a balanced defensive unit. So far all four lines seem to be hitting their stride as far as offensive production goes – especially Petro and Theo, Hanny is another solid contributor – while three others may contribute some offense, although historically perhaps not at such high levels; hopefully their game can expand along these lines over time. Hanifin now has one goal and six points through 12 games after setting his career-high in goals last season. He’s an all-round defenceman with size, skating skills and intelligence – though at times his offensive play can fall flat. Golden Knights forward Nathan Walker is one of the team’s key offensive threats; when he enters play regularly and launches shots from point, they become even more dangerous. Be sure to bookmark THN’s Vegas Golden Knights site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and analysis for them as soon as they happen! Related Topics: Golden Knights Forward Bring Diversity To Lineup|Golden Knights Veteran Center Tomas Hertl Earns Milestone Point Saturday Night