The Vegas Golden Knights sit atop the Pacific Division with a 19-11-12 record at the halfway point of the season, a position that belies the adversity they have faced. Injuries to key players, a recent eight-loss stretch in nine games, and controversy surrounding goaltender Carter Hart have tested the team. Yet they have managed to collect points and remain in first place.
Thursday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets encapsulated the season. Hart left midway through the first period with a left knee injury, but the Knights rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win for the second straight game. Hart underwent testing Friday, and coach Bruce Cassidy indicated Akira Schmid would likely start Saturday against the St. Louis Blues.
Cassidy said he would provide an update Saturday morning on Hart, but added, “Pretty safe to say Akira is going to start Saturday.” The Knights also face a back-to-back Sunday in San Jose. Goaltender Adin Hill has not played since Oct. 20 due to a lower-body injury, and Cassidy said the medical team will not accelerate his return.
Defenseman Brayden McNabb is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury sustained on New Year’s Eve. Captain Mark Stone, center Jack Eichel, defenseman Shea Theodore, and center William Karlsson have all missed time. Despite the absences, Cassidy praised his team’s resilience.
“We’re playing through the injuries and everything else and still staying in the fight for first place in the division,” Cassidy said. “When things happen, how do you respond? Our guys are good that way.”
Forward Brett Howden noted the veteran group’s experience helps them handle adversity. “We lean on each other to pull ourselves out of those situations,” he said.
The injuries have given Cassidy a longer look at young players like Schmid, and forced Mitch Marner into a center role. “My hopes for the back half is that our record is better, our play is better in certain areas and we stay a little healthier,” Cassidy said.
The Knights host the Blues on Saturday at 7 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena.
