Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 13

Golden Knights Lose William Karlsson for Game 6, Stick With Carter Hart After 5 Straight 4-Goal Games

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jun 13

Golden Knights Lose William Karlsson for Game 6, Stick With Carter Hart After 5 Straight 4-Goal Games

Q: Will a coach's controversial loyalty to his struggling goalie cost Vegas its shot at the Stanley Cup?

Yes — Tortorella’s decision to stick with Carter Hart has become one of the biggest risks to Vegas’s Cup hopes, though it is not the only reason the Golden Knights are on the brink. The case against the decision is strong. Hart has allowed four or more goals in every game of the Final, an unprecedented run for this stage, and Carolina has scored 21 goals in five games. In a series this tight, Vegas likely needs a goalie to steal at least one game, and Hart has not done that. Meanwhile, Adin Hill is not an untested backup; he backstopped Vegas to the 2023 Stanley Cup and owns a strong playoff track record. Carolina also showed in Game 5 that a goalie switch can change a series, with Brandon Bussi providing a lift after replacing Frederik Andersen. Tortorella’s loyalty is understandable. Hart had been excellent earlier in the playoffs, including a dominant Western Conference Final, and he has started every postseason game. Tortorella also trusts him from their time together in Philadelphia. Coaches often value continuity in elimination games, especially with a veteran roster. But the timing makes the gamble sharper. Vegas is already missing William Karlsson, one of its most important two-way forwards and veteran leaders. That means the margin for error is even smaller. If Hart delivers in Game 6, Tortorella will look justified. If he does not, the refusal to turn to Hill will be remembered as a defining decision in Vegas’s failed title defense.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 13

William Karlsson will miss Sunday’s Stanley Cup Final Game 6 after leaving Game 5 following a heavy hit from Carolina defenseman Sean Walker.
John Tortorella called Karlsson’s exit a turning point in Vegas’ Game 5 loss, saying the team lost momentum around the same stretch as back-to-back penalties.
Karlsson, 33, is one of four remaining players from Vegas’ 2017 inaugural roster and has 9 points — 3 goals and 6 assists — with a plus-10 rating this postseason.
Vegas also decided to keep Carter Hart in net for Game 6 despite him allowing at least 4 goals in all 5 games this series, rather than turning to backup Adin Hill.
The injury leaves Vegas needing a replacement down the middle as it tries to win at home and force a Game 7 in Raleigh.