Proud Affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights
When San Diego’s Lucas Pettersson scored with just under three seconds left in regulation on Saturday, it marked the first goal allowed by the Henderson Silver Knights in over 150 minutes of game time, a shutout streak that spanned three games.
It was just the 24th goal allowed by Henderson through 12 games this season, tied for the fewest in the American Hockey League and the second-fewest goals allowed through the first 12 games in franchise history, behind only the 23 goals over the first 12 contests of the inaugural 2020-21 campaign.
“Our goalies have been there all year for us,” head coach Joel Ward said of his team’s defense. “Our goals against has been really low. We’ve shut down and done really well defensively. They’re one of the main reasons why.”
The Silver Knights goaltending tandem of Cameron Whitehead and Carl Lindbom has been amongst the best in the league. Having played in five games apiece, Lindbom’s 1.08 goals-against average and .957 save percentage lead the league while Whitehead’s 1.60 goals-against average and .948 save percentage rank third.
“They’ve been our backbone,” Ward said of Whitehead and Lindbom. “There’s no secret about it, we’re a defensive first team. We’re built for the back out. We’ve done a good job. Our defense has been strong, our goaltending has been strong, it’s kind of the focus of our group.”
The Silver Knights have allowed two or fewer goals in eight of twelve games this season, seven of which were started by either Lindbom or Whitehead.
“They’re both off to a great start,” Director of Player Development for the Vegas Golden Knights Wil Nichol said. “I’m not surprised. The thing with both those kids is they compete. They both have a real calm demeanor in the crease, which I love, but don’t confuse that with their competitiveness. They are competitive, competitive kids.”
For Lindbom, his start is a continuation of the success he’s had over his first two seasons with the Silver Knights.
The Swedish-born netminder has rewritten the Henderson record books in each of the last two seasons. During his 35-game 2025-26 campaign, Lindbom won a Silver Knights’ record 24 games while tying the franchise record for shutouts in a season, which he set the year prior, with three.
Altogether, Lindbom’s second full season in the AHL saw him finish with new career bests in goals-against average, 2.16, and save percentage, .926, while being named to the All-AHL Second Team. He followed up his strong regular season with a 2.56 goals-against average and .913 save percentage in the playoffs.
“It gives the group a lot of confidence,” Whitehead said of Lindbom’s performance. “Obviously, he’s unbelievable. I’m surprised every time he loses a game, to be honest with you. He’s really good.”
Lindbom returned from a five-game injury-related absence on Friday with a 31-save shutout, his second of the season and eighth of his AHL career.
“A lot felt good,” Lindbom said upon his return. “I thought I was seeing the puck pretty well. I thought I was reading the play and the guys kept it pretty clean in front of me. It was good.”
The third-year Silver Knight has shutouts in two of his last three starts and is now 3-1-0 on the season, allowing five goals while stopping 100 shots.
As for Whitehead, who followed Lindbom’s shutout with a near shutout of his own on Saturday, his strong start to the season comes as the next step in his development after an up-and-down 2025-26 campaign.
The Ontario native split time between Henderson and Tahoe last season. With 41 games at two different levels while also living on his own out of a hotel room at 22 years old, Whitehead admitted that last season tested him.
“It took a bit to adjust,” Whitehead said on the Horsin’ Around Podcast. “It was a battle. I learned a lot about pro hockey. I learned a lot about myself and understanding what I’ve got to do to compete for opportunities.”
With the Knights Monsters, Whitehead put together a 12-9-3 record while owning a 3.01 goals-against average and .921 save percentage.
In his 17-game sample size in the AHL, which included the conclusion of the season, the 6-foot-3, 192-pound netminder posted a 3.54 goals-against average and .873 save percentage en route to a 6-7-4 record.
“My approach this summer was just a little more calculated in understanding the things I needed to work on to prepare for this season,” Whitehead said of his offseason, which also included a solo trip to Punta Cana to clear his mind. “Coming into camp, I felt really good. I came down a couple of weeks early too, and that helped a lot.”
That difference in approach has paid dividends for Whitehead, who is 4-1-0 while allowing seven goals and making 127 saves this season. The Canadian-born goalie is currently on a personal four-game winning streak, the longest of his career, and has allowed just five goals over those four games.
Within the four-game span, Whitehead was promoted to the NHL level for the first time. Whitehead did not appear in a game, but did serve as Adin Hill’s backup in a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on October 27.
“You’re right there,” Whitehead said of the call-up. “It’s extremely motivating knowing you’re that close. It keeps your foot on the gas for sure.”
Both Whitehead and Lindbom have their foot on the gas to start the season, and with both of them cruising, the Silver Knights are 8-4-0 and winners of seven of their last nine games.