Noah Hanifin missed nearly a month of action after going down with an undisclosed injury in the Golden Knights’ season opener but had no desire to ease back into the lineup upon regaining his health.

Instead of getting reduced ice time with a gradual increase like many players in his situation, Hanifin immediately logged enough minutes to rival fellow defenseman Shea Theodore as Vegas’ most prolific skater.It’s what he wanted—the 29-year-old, third-year Golden Knight felt he had a reputation to help uphold.

“Us as a team, we always take pride in playing good defensive hockey in front of whoever is in net,” Hanifin said.

Defensive sharpness is a principle the Golden Knights are built on, especially under fourth-year coach Bruce Cassidy, and it hasn’t slipped now, roughly a quarter into t

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