Ryan Reaves isn't classified as a natural goal-scorer, by any means.
Reaves has yet to reach the 10-goal mark in his eight year career. The closest he came was in 2016 while with the St. Louis Blues, then he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Reaves' time in Pittsburgh was short-lived, though, as he was traded to the Golden Knights. Reaves was sent to Vegas in a three-team deal with the Penguins and Senators; the main piece of the trade being Derick Brassard. When the Golden Knights acquired the veteran, they knew what they were expecting as head coach Gerard Gallant looked for Reaves to be the team's net-front prescence.
GOLDEN STANDARD
How Vegas became the most successful expansion team in sports history
Reaves sat out of Vegas' first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings and the first six games against San Jose in the conference semifinals. He eventually earned a permanent role against the Winnipeg Jets. He remained scoreless entering the Golden Knights' Game 5 with the Winnipeg Jets. Then, Reaves' first tally as a Golden Knight proved to be the most monumental goal in the Golden Knights' brief history.
During the second period, Reaves went to the net and created havoc as Gallant expected. He redirected Luca Sbisa's initial shot from the blue line past goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. It wasn't anything special, but the deed was done. Vegas stood on the back of Reaves' goal to advance to the team's first Stanley Cup Final.
"It’s weird how it works out," Reaves said, via The Athletic. "I got sent over to Pittsburgh (from St. Louis) because they wanted some physicality in the playoffs and then I got traded right before the playoffs and now they’re gone and here we are. It’s funny how the world works out."
Timing was right
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 20, 2018
for Ryan Reaves' first goal
as a Golden Knight pic.twitter.com/yMgGsXE3CF
The stick Reaves' used push Vegas forward in the playoffs won't accompany the team to the Stanley Cup Final. Instead, Reaves will have his stick on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
Reaves, a Winnipeg native, played in front of a few of his friends and family on Sunday. The reason for the limited amount of hometown supporters? They all were involved with the Winnipeg Whiteout. Reaves, though, didn't receive a welcoming ovation following his goal. He wasn't offended by the gesture. He couldn't be happier when the Jets faithful serenaded him..
"Nothing makes me happier than scoring in front of these fans," Reaves told Hockey Night in Canada. " ... and hearing the boos come at me."
Reaves and the rest of the Golden Knights have embraced the "misfit" moniker. Vegas awaits the winner between Tampa Bay and Washington. Whoever advances, it's likely Vegas will be deemed as underdogs again. Vegas is ready for the challenge.
"We call ourselves the Golden Misfits for a reason," Reaves said. "I think we’re doing a good job of proving everyone wrong."