Golden Knights’ Carter Hart Set for Tuesday Debut Against Blackhawks

The Vegas Golden Knights are set to welcome back goalie Carter Hart for his debut on Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. Hart was recalled on Sunday following the conclusion of his suspension, which lasted nearly two years. His last NHL appearance came on January 20, 2022, while he was with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Carter Hart’s Return to the Ice

Hart’s suspension ended on Monday, making him eligible for the upcoming game. He was suspended alongside four other players who were previously part of Canada’s World Juniors team. The league found their conduct did not uphold the moral standards expected from NHL players.

Training and Preparation

Over the last two weeks, Hart participated in a conditioning loan with the Henderson Silver Knights, the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate. He played three games there, achieving a record of 1-2-0. During those games, he allowed nine goals on 56 shots, resulting in a .839 save percentage.

In his words, preparation has been key. “I think for me, preparation is everything,” Hart stated after practice on Monday. “I’ve worked hard to get back to this point.”

Coaching Insights

Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged Hart’s effort, noting, “Reports from Henderson indicated he played well.” Cassidy emphasized that Hart’s recent games were more about getting live reps rather than focusing on the results.

Need for Goalkeeping Reinforcement

The Golden Knights are currently without their starting goalie, Adin Hill, who is recovering from a lower-body injury. As a result, Akira Schmid and rookie Carl Lindbom have shared goaltending duties. Vegas has struggled during this stretch, recording a 6-6-6 record with a team save percentage of .876, ranking eighth worst in the league.

Future Outlook

Following the matchup against the Blackhawks, the Golden Knights will embark on a challenging five-game road trip that includes games against teams in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Columbus. Coach Cassidy anticipates that Hart will have ample opportunities to prove himself but expects some rust due to his long absence from competitive play.

• Hart’s last NHL game: January 20, 2022
• Current record with the Silver Knights: 1-2-0
• Team save percentage: .876
• Next game: Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks

Overall, the Golden Knights hope Hart’s return will bolster their goaltending situation as they look to improve their performance in the coming weeks.