The Vegas Golden Knights are gearing up to welcome goaltender Carter Hart back to the ice as they prepare to face the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. After being sidelined for 33 games due to a lower-body injury, Hart is set to make his return, adding a new dynamic to Vegas's goaltending lineup.
Hart, who inked a two-year deal with the Golden Knights in October, initially returned to action in early December. During his 12-game stint, he notched six wins and posted a .871 save percentage.
His presence as the starting goaltender pushed Akira Schmid into the backup role, while Adin Hill was on the mend from a leg injury. Hill rejoined the team shortly after Hart’s injury, taking on a significant role in the crease.
In Hart's absence, Hill and Schmid have been the backbone of the Knights’ goaltending. Hill has been particularly busy, securing nine wins, a shutout, and a .865 save percentage over 21 games.
Schmid has contributed with four wins and a .889 save percentage in his 12 appearances. Carl Lindbom also made a notable contribution with an 18-save victory.
Now, with Hart back in the mix, new head coach John Tortorella faces the challenge of managing three NHL-level goaltenders. Tortorella, who previously coached Hart during his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, might lean on their shared history.
Hart's performances in those seasons were among his best, boasting 22 wins and a .907 save percentage in 2022-23, and 12 wins with a .906 save percentage the following year. His standout season, however, was in 2019-20, where he achieved 24 wins and a .914 save percentage.
Hart's return couldn't come at a more critical time. The Golden Knights have been struggling defensively, ranking 17th in goals-against per game in March despite facing the second-fewest shots.
These defensive woes contributed to the dismissal of former head coach Bruce Cassidy and the hiring of Tortorella. Now, the Knights are hoping that the trio of Hart, Hill, and Schmid can provide the stability they need to maintain their third-place standing in the Pacific Division.
With Tortorella’s experience and Hart’s potential resurgence, Vegas is poised for an intriguing chapter in their quest for playoff success.