Golden Knights defeat Kings in preseason opener under Ryan Craig — PHOTOS

ONTARIO, Calif. — The first preseason game is rarely ever a clean one, but the Vegas Golden Knights had plenty to like in their exhibition opener.

The Knights won 4-2 over the Los Angeles Kings at Toyota Arena thanks to a two-goal game from prospect forward Jackson Hallum.

Goaltender Adin Hill made 17 saves.

“It was the outcome we wanted,” coach Ryan Craig said. “I thought guys played hard, from (Hill) all the way out.”

Here are three observations from the win.

1. Hallum stands out

There has always been intrigue with Hallum, the Knights’ third-round pick from 2020. It’s always been because of his speed.

Hallum showed that off on the go-ahead goal with 5:31 remaining. He used his speed to create space, cut to the inside and finish in close.

“We just had a controlled breakout,” Hallum said. “Our coach was saying that if we got a controlled breakout, we’re doing swings in each corner. I just swung on my outside forehand and found an opening in the middle.”

Hallum added the empty-netter to seal the game.

Hallum was a three-year player at Michigan before making the jump professionally last season. He had 26 points in 69 games with the Silver Knights under Craig.

“I thought he learned a lot about the pro game, the details of the game, those kinds of things,” Craig said. “He obviously has a skill set with the speed and how he can skate.”

There’s room for opportunity with Hallum. His speed should translate to the NHL at some point. Another strong year in the AHL could put more eyes on him down the line.

“I just try to play the best I can,” Hallum said. “I can’t look at the future or anything. I just got to be where my feet are.”

2. Strong debut from Connelly

Trevor Connelly made a good first impression if he wants to make the NHL roster.

The Knights’ top prospect didn’t get on the score sheet, but he stood out in other ways. He won puck battles. He possessed the puck well. He made good reads.

He even drew penalties. Connelly drew a tripping call in the second period after not only winning a race to the puck in the Knights’ zone, but held possession in the corner.

“I think what we saw was what I saw out of Trevor last year in Henderson,” Craig said. “When he can get into the area at the top of the circles and below the net, he looks to attack the net. We saw that tonight.”

This was the first time seeing if Connelly really improved on his 200-foot game, and it was a good start.

The next test will be how he looks with veterans. If he’s to stay on a line with center Tomas Hertl and forward Victor Olofsson, he’ll need to do so against NHL-caliber talent.

3. First one for Craig

It will start to feel real for Craig when the Knights open the season Sept. 29 against Chicago.

But it was still a good start for the first-year coach, who is tasked with leading the reigning Western Conference champions this season.

“It was great. It felt quite comfortable,” Craig said. “A lot of those names that I see on the back of the jersey, I’ve seen before. Just real proud of our guys.”

It felt all too familiar for Craig. His roster was players he had last year while coaching the Silver Knights. It was played in the Ontario Reign’s arena, the Kings’ AHL affiliate.

NHL arenas are coming soon. All in all, a solid start in the Craig era.

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