(Las Vegas) Still looking for a first goal since the start of the National Hockey League playoffs, Shea Theodore found the back of the net when the Vegas Golden Knights needed it on Saturday night.
With the score 1-1 midway through the second period of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Theodore received a pass while on one side of the blue line before slipping on the other side.
PHOTO JOHN LOCHER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Shea Theodore (27) is congratulated by his team mates after scoring a goal.
Skillfully, he then got rid of the close surveillance of Anthony Duclair, presented himself at the top of the enclave and deceived the vigilance of goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky with a shot from the wrists from the side glove.
It was a game piece like Theodore has often made. And she has arrived at a crucial stage in the confrontation.
Theodore’s goal generated energy among the spectators and, more importantly, among his team. Theodore also had an assist in the Golden Knights’ 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers, which was something of a show of redemption for the 27-year-old defenseman.
« Il est l’un de nos meilleurs joueurs », a témoigné son coéquipier Jonathan Marchessault.
« Vous avez besoin de 20 gars tous les soirs pour gagner à cette période de l’année. Ç’a été un bon effort d’équipe ce soir [samedi] and Shea took charge today. He’s one of those players who stepped up tonight and I’m really happy to see that he got on the scoresheet. »
Theodore ended a 27-game drought without scoring a goal. His last net dated back to March 7, on the Panthers rink. In career, he now totals 15 goals in playoff games.
It makes me feel good, but for now, all that matters is the next game and going for the win.
Shea Theodore
“I have the feeling that many of us were more comfortable tonight. It showed in our game, from the way we attacked and the way we avoided scrums after the whistles. And, I guess, on the score sheet too,” added Theodore.
The defender came out of the shadows at the perfect time because during the first three rounds of the playoffs, he didn’t necessarily look like the player we are used to seeing.
Before the start of the final, he had seven assists and averaged one shot on goal for every 12 appearances on the ice. On Saturday, he averaged at least one shot in every eight outings.
He finished the game among the best on his team in shot attempts for, compared to attempts allowed to the Panthers.
“Shea is a very important part of our squad,” Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel said.
“It was nice to see him get rewarded, but he does so much more for us. And the way he carries the puck, he can, on occasion, provoke a counterattack on his own.
“He was in a bit of a drought, and I’m sure it feels good to have ended it. Let’s hope it gives a boost to his game in the next games. »