Over his first 12 seasons, Tomas Hertl is averaging 3.8 points in the first six games. Heading into Tuesday's game against the Kings, he's averaging 4.1 points through his next six games over 11 seasons.

LAS VEGAS -- Since entering the league in 2013, Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl is tied for 79th with 491 points.

Not an overwhelming offensive juggernaut, but an efficient one.

And through the first six games of a campaign - 11 of them with San Jose - he's registered four or more points in just four seasons, the best being 9 during his rookie season for the Sharks.

In the other eight seasons, he's tallied just three or fewer, including this year, his first full campaign in Vegas.

To anyone concerned with his offense, don't be.

Been there, done that.

"I feel like I was in this spot in every year in my career," Hertl said Tuesday after morning skate. "You play good after you struggle, and when you struggle a little bit you just try more.

"You do more workouts, you do more things, you want to own the ice, make extra plays and if it's not going your way, it's actually hurting more yourself."

His numbers don't lie, either, as his production has crept higher in games 7 through 12 of a season.

Over his first 12 seasons, he's averaging 3.8 points in the first six games; heading into Tuesday's game against the Kings, he's averaging 4.1 points through his next six games over 11 seasons.

Thus, Hertl said he'll continue to stick with the main ingredient he's learned to play with during his career: confidence.

Secure it, and then skate with it, he said, until he gets where he wants to be.

"Because when you play without your confidence, you're just waiting (for) something (to) happen, and your legs is not moving, your head is not thinking fast enough, your hands is not moving," the Czech player said. "So I just play with confidence. I know what I can do in this league, and I did for a long time, and I know I can be really helpful for this team."

Hertl said while it's still early in the season, he's approached each game hoping his offense will ignite that night. And it's not just about finding the back of the net, either.

"Just getting momentum, play more in the O-zone," he said. "When you're holding the stick too tight it doesn't help you. It's kind of maybe right now. You know, you're an offensive guy, and if you don't spend much time in offense you get a little frustrated and just can wear me down. I'm here to help the team win hockey games and I have to just relax, just play more relaxed, because I know what I can do.

"I have to just chill, (let) the game come to me, and then just play to win hockey games."

Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said William Karlsson's injury hasn't helped, as it's meant not only more ice time for Hertl and top-line center Jack Eichel but also finding chemistry with different wings during practices and in games.

Nevertheless, Cassidy said he has faith his veteran will eventually find his groove.

"We're probably giving him a little more than he would normally have at this time of the year," Cassidy said. "I don't know what his starts would look like, I would assume bigger-body guys sometimes take a while to get up and running. He missed hockey last year, so I'm not that concerned about Tomas.

"I don't want him to be down on himself. He shouldn't be. ... He will have to be the driver of the line no matter what, for the most part, as a guy that's been in the league. If I see the head starts dropping, then I'll grab him and say, 'Hey, you're fine. You're good just keep plugging away and do your part. We'll pick you up if you're not having a great game.' And he'll pick us up sometimes."