Vegas Golden Knights News
Hertl suffered a hand injury in Tuesday’s practice and today’s morning skate but head coach Pete DeBoer said that Hertl will be in the lineup for Game 1. Hertl has enjoyed a career year, setting career-highs in goals (35), assists (39) and points (74) in 77 games. The 25-year-old has six goals and three assists in 10 playoff games a year ago.
Darcy Kuemper was forced to leave Tuesday’s game after taking a stick in the face vs. the Kings, so Hill comes back up in case Kuemper isn’t available for Thursday’s game. Hill has gone 15-12-2 with a 2.46 GAA and .911 SV% in 32 AHL games this season.
Hart has missed the last seven games with a lower-body injury but will be available to backup Brian Elliott on Monday. Head coach Scott Gordon said that Hart will start one of their back-to-back games on Thursday/Friday. The rookie netminder was pulled in each of his last two starts, while allowing a combined six goals on 18 shots (.667 SV%).
Hutton suffered an apparent foot injury late in Sunday’s loss in Vegas. Since the start of February, Hutton ranks third in the NHL in TOI/GP (26:42) trailing just Drew Doughty and Ryan Suter, so this is a huge loss for the Canucks blueline. Vancouver recalled Guillaume Brisebois from Utica (AHL) to replace Hutton on Tuesday.
Hart has been skating and is “doing ver well,” according to GM Chuck Fletcher. If everything goes well with him on Tuesday, Hart will join the team on the ice for Wednesday’s morning skate.
Stone was acquired from the Senators and signed an eight-year extension with the Golden Knights right away. Stone, who is one of the league’s best wingers, will make his debut on a line with Max Pacioretty and Paul Stastny.
