"We had some ups and downs through the season, but since then it just seems like we've been playing more our style, a fast-paced, in-your-face type of game," said Fleury, who made 21 saves against the Blackhawks. "And it's been paying off for us."
The Golden Knights have given Fleury, who turned 34 on Wednesday, the bulk of the credit for the turnaround. Fleury (13-8-1, 2.36 goals-against average, .911 save percentage, five shutouts) was named the NHL's Second Star for the week ending Nov. 25 after he went 3-0-0 with a 0.65 GAA and .976 save percentage, including back-to-back shutouts against the Flames (2-0) on Friday and Sharks (6-0) on Saturday. Fleury's shutout streak of 150:54 ended when Chicago defenseman Gustav Forsling scored 29 seconds into the second period to cut Vegas' lead to 3-1.
"My teammates have been helping a lot," Fleury said. "The forwards are coming back and cutting those cross-ice passes. The defense lets me see the puck and they take the rebounds away. Just little things have been making a difference defensively."
Tuch, who had a goal and an assist against Chicago, said, "Honestly, if you see a couple more goals scored on [Fleury] than usual, it's probably because we let up a breakaway or a 2-on-1. Because the guy, he's lights out every single night. He's playing really well, and we just have to make things as easy as possible for him."
The Golden Knights have been productive, scoring 19 goals in their past four games including a Vegas-record eight against Chicago. Tuch has 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in his past 11 games. Pacioretty has nine points (six goals, three assists) in his past six games.
Pacioretty, who has formed good chemistry with Tuch and center Cody Eakin, said he's feeling more comfortable.
"I love playing with Tuch and [Eakin]. They make life easy on me," Pacioretty said. "They both can skate really well. Tuch's a bigger guy who can protect pucks and create time and space for us. Our line's been going really well but we want to build off that and get even better."
Schmidt, who returned against the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 18, has brought balance back to the defense. Playing on the top pair with Brayden McNabb, Schmidt is averaging 21 minutes per game.
Defenseman Shea Theodore said Vegas missed Schmidt on and off the ice.
"He's a good player, very energetic, running around and he's definitely a big presence in our room," said Theodore, who had three points (two goals, one assist) against Chicago. "He plays tough minutes against the other teams' top lines. It was definitely a big hit [losing him] to the start of the year."
The Golden Knights say they are finding their form at the right time.
"There were lot of things going against us [early], but every team goes through that at some stretch," Gallant said. "We're just playing our game well the last four games. That's all I'm worried about. What's behind us is behind us and we look forward to going forward."
