The Vegas Golden Knights are poised to activate goaltender Carter Hart from long-term injured reserve (LTIR). He is expected to start in Thursday’s game against the Calgary Flames. This development comes after Hart missed 33 consecutive games due to a lower-body injury sustained on January 8.
Carter Hart’s Return to Action
In October, Hart signed a two-year contract with the Golden Knights and made his NHL return in early December. During his initial stint, he appeared in 12 games, achieving six wins and a .871 save percentage.
Goaltending Changes in Vegas
- Hart was the starting goaltender for a month, with Akira Schmid serving as the backup.
- Adin Hill was recovering from a leg injury but returned to the lineup shortly after Hart’s injury.
Since Hart’s departure, Hill and Schmid have stepped up in the goaltending department. Hill has recorded nine wins, one shutout, and a .865 save percentage in 21 games. Meanwhile, Schmid has secured four wins and a .889 save percentage over 12 games. Carl Lindbom also played one game, achieving an 18-save win.
Coaching Influence on Hart
The Golden Knights hired John Tortorella, who coached Hart during his tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers from 2022 to 2024. Under Tortorella, Hart had notable seasons, including 22 wins and a .907 save percentage in 2022-23 and 12 wins with a .906 save percentage in 2023-24.
Looking Ahead
The Golden Knights faced challenges with their goaltending this season, prompting changes within their coaching staff. They ranked 17th in the league in goals against per game throughout March, even though they faced the second-fewest shots against during that period.
The pressure is now on Hart, Hill, and Schmid to keep the Golden Knights competitive in the Pacific Division. As Hart re-enters the lineup, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can help reverse the team’s fortunes amidst a season of ups and downs.
