Logan Thompson made 32 saves, while Vegas blocks 23 shots in win,

The Vegas Golden Knights had given up at least three goals in 11 games since Dec. 10.

That's why defense was such a primary focus against the Boston Bruins, who came into the game averaging 4.50 goals per game since Dec. 27. 

It paid off, as the Golden Knights won a tight 2-1 game.

It's the type of win that Vegas needed. Not necessary from an offensive point of view (that's still a work in progress), but in a getting back to a team's identity way.

The Golden Knights blocked 23 shots, while Logan Thompson was spectacular in net making 32 saves. They stymied the Bruins offense that had plenty of chances throughout the game, but whether it was a timely block, a tied-up stick or a great save, the defense came through for the Golden Knights.

"Our emphasis coming in tonight was playing good team defense," Jack Eichel said. "I thought we did a good job of that. But everyone bought in and LT obviously played great for us. There was a sense of desperation from us and I think that we need that."

But the key defensive stop wasn't on 5-on-5, but rather on the penalty kill. With Eichel and captain Mark Stone getting checked out by the medical staff, Brayden McNabb committed a high-sticking penalty at the 16:51 mark of the second period.

Without three of its better penalty killers, the Golden Knights limited the Bruins to one shot on goal and blocked a shot. 

"The guys who stepped up there down two forwards did a good job. It's an opportunity for other guys to play more minutes, and they seem to hold themselves the way they wanted to," Pietrangelo said. "We take a lot of pride in [our PK]. We've been having some really good conversations, and we executed the way we wanted to.”

The offense still is finding its groove again. Eichel ended a 122:41 goalless drought for the Golden Knights with his power-play goal in the third period against the Bruins. 

But if Vegas can get its defensive structure and overall swagger back on the defensive side of things, it will make the team much more dangerous when the offense does start clicking,

If nothing else, playing in tight games can get a team ready for the most important part of the season: the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“This is a good win against a really, really good hockey team,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “But I like the way we want we won. We gutted it out. It's playoff style hockey out there, and we didn't buckle. They deserve a lot of credit.”

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vegas Golden Knights site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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