Golden Knights’ Kolesar hopes for more goals

Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar scored the game-winner in a 4-1 victory against the Minnesota Wild at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.

It marked Kolesar’s 10^th goal of the season, adding to an already career high.

“Pretty cool. Hopefully, there’s more to come,” Kolesar said.

Kolesar was an assist away from the Gordie Howe hat trick, which consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight. He participated in a fight with the Wild’s Marcus Foligno in the first period.

It marked the second time the two have fought in the two meetings, stemming from a pair of hits that each team questioned.

Kolesar admitted that he would have liked to complete the Howe hat trick, but that goal will have to wait for another day.

“I would have liked it. Oh, well, there’s always next time,” Kolesar said.

That type of all-around game, physicality, and goal-scoring have made Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy proud of Kolesar’s growth this season.

“He answered the bell. So, there’s still that part of the game he continues to bring,” Cassidy said. “That’s what you’re always worried about, right? A guy starts scoring, it’s like he’s going to forget his roots a little bit, his identity, et cetera. He hasn’t; he knows he’s a straight-line player. He knows he’s physical; he knows he’s a great teammate. We’re building him in penalty kill, and he’s getting some offensive opportunities.

“Happy for Keegan. … He’s a very popular guy in the room, and so everyone’s happy to see him have success”

Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.