Kaedan Korczak, Adin Hill and William Karlsson lead the way as the Golden Knights improve to 4-0 on the season.

The Vegas Golden Knights became the first team since the 1997-98 Detroit Red Wings to start the Stanley Cup defending season 4-0-0 with a 3-2 shootout victory against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

“It just speaks volumes to the group of guys we got here,” Vegas goalie Adin Hill said. “We didn’t take the start of the season lightly after coming off the win. We came back to camp. Got back to business. Everyone showed up in good shape. It’s showing.”

Hill made 24 saves in the win, while William Karlsson and Kaedan Korczak each had a goal and an assist. 

“It’s actually good that each team got a point when you put that much on the table to be honest with you,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “We were able to get the extra one in an entertaining overtime. Good for the guys. A lot of good things on our end. I’m very happy to get the two points.”

Here are the three takeaways:

Rivalry renewed

The intensity of last season's playoff series carried over into this game. There 57 hits, two fights, and a lot of after the whistle chirping.

It was the most intense game the Golden Knights have played this season and probably the most challenging in terms of opposition.

The Stars are 5-1-3 in the last nine meetings with the Golden Knights, but Vegas won when it mattered most in the Western Conference Finals.

Add in the fact that former Vegas coach Pete DeBoer is on the other side, it's a rivalry that will only continue to grow.

“There’s some animosity left over from last May. Looks like we’ve built some more,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. 

Korczak's growth

Korczak scored his first career goal and assisted on Karlsson's goal to tie the game. It was Korczak's first career NHL goal.

"Getting my first one is huge," Korczak said. "Obviously, your confidence grows and then you're making some more plays. I got to my game there. I just got to grow throughout that."

Korczak is the ninth defenseman on the depth chart - sitting behind the main six, Ben Hutton and Brayden Pachal. His game has seen growth and Cassidy spoke at length about how these types of games are vital for players like Korczak and Pachal, especially if they're called upon in critical games in April and May.

"This was some playoff intensity out there," Cassidy said. "So the more of these types of games they can get comfortable and know they can play in them and function the better off we're going to be if we need those players, which you usually end up having to use them."

'Wild' Bill's complete game

Karlsson played exceptionally well on both sides of the ice in the win and was rewarded on the scoresheet with a goal and an assist.

He was deployed on the wing at times, as Cassidy tried to find a line hat could spark the team in the third period. 

“He’s always good,” Cassidy said. “He might not show up in the scoresheet every night good, but very reliable guy. … He’s a competitor. He knows the game.”