The first sign came when Alex Tuch stopped celebrating.
That’s how Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant knew the 22-year-old right wing was becoming more mature.
“It takes young guys some time for that, and I think Tuckie feels comfortable doing what he’s doing now,” Gallant said. “Last year, he was a young kid, and he got excited or he got happy when he scored a goal. This year, he expects to score goals now. I think there’s just a different attitude for him.”
Tuch took over the team lead in points with his empty-net goal in the final minute of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings and has been the Knights’ most consistent performer despite playing with an array of linemates.