NHL: Utah at Vegas Golden Knights - Source: Imagn — NHL: Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy talked about Brett Howden after Jets win (Source: Imagn)

Golden Knights HC Bruce Cassidy makes his feeling known about newly-signed $12M forward after thrilling win over Jets

Modified Nov 30, 2024 22:02 GMT

The Vegas Golden Knights registered a 4-3 win against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, with Brett Howden playing a key role.

Howden, who signed a five-year, $12.5 million contract extension on Nov. 22, scored twice, including the game-winning goal.

Howden’s first goal came at 18:13 of the first period. He intercepted a pass from Morgan Barron, skated in on a breakaway, and slid the puck under Jets goalie Eric Comrie.

His second goal, which gave the Golden Knights a 4-3 lead, came at 15:55 of the third period. William Karlsson made a backdoor pass, and Howden tapped it in at the left post.

Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy praised Howden’s overall game while talking to the media following the win against the Jets. Cassidy mentioned his speed, defensive play, and understanding of his role.

"Well, the first goal was good. I think he was a precious guy on the ice," Cassidy said. "I think he just came out of the box, so that might have helped him in that situation. But he does have great straightaway speed, used it there, got inside ... The second goal is just going to the net. Holz does a good job. Karlsson takes the puck through the neutral zone. I think Howden knows his role.

"On that line that (William) Karlsson is going to do a lot of the leg work between the blues, in terms of carrying pucks in, so get open, get available. Good on Howden to go to the net to open up some ice. A lot of times, that's how we go to the net ... Doesn't always have to be, you know, a pretty tic-tac-toe. In that case, ends up being a real nice goal," Cassidy added.

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Howden used his speed, especially on the game-winning goal. Cassidy talked about Howden’s role on a line with Karlsson, where Howden’s job is to get open and go to the net.

Brett Howden's impressive goal-scoring for Golden Knights

Brett Howden has 10 goals this season, setting a career-high. He has scored four goals in his last seven games, though he had a five-game goal drought earlier. He has one assist, 43 shots and a minus-2 rating. His shooting percentage is 23.3%, which may go down.

Howden has been effective, scoring with his speed and size, while also getting to the net. With his new contract, Brett Howden looks to be a long-term player for the Golden Knights.