Golden Knights Lose Five Olympians for Game Against Kings
The Vegas Golden Knights face a significant challenge as they return from the Olympic break. Their roster will be missing five Olympians for their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Kings. Head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that players Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, Noah Hanifin, and Shea Theodore will all be absent.
Olympic Absences Impact Golden Knights
All five players participated in Sunday’s gold-medal game and will miss the Golden Knights’ first game back on Wednesday. Marner, Stone, and Theodore remain in Las Vegas, while Eichel and Hanifin celebrate their Olympic victory at the White House.
The decision to leave these players out was made for logistical reasons. Traveling back to Washington after a long flight from Italy would complicate the team’s schedule. Cassidy stated, “We left them behind to give them a break, hoping they’ll be ready for the next match against Washington.”
Injury Struggles Continue
The absence of the five Olympians intensifies the existing injury woes for the Golden Knights. They are also without centers Brett Howden and William Karlsson, and goaltender Carter Hart. This situation leaves the team without four key forwards, a critical defenseman, and their backup goaltender.
- Jack Eichel – Center
- Mitch Marner – Winger
- Mark Stone – Winger
- Noah Hanifin – Defenseman
- Shea Theodore – Defenseman
- Brett Howden – Center
- William Karlsson – Center
- Carter Hart – Goaltender
Lineup Adjustments for Upcoming Game
Due to these absences, the Golden Knights have reshuffled their lineup. Returning from injury, Brayden McNabb, Brandon Saad, and Colton Sissons will step into the third line. Dylan Coghlan and Tanner Laczynski will also make their entries in place of the absent players.
The new alignment features a blend of first and third lines to cover for Stone and Eichel. Laczynski will take Marner’s spot in the second line. Saad and Sissons will join Alex Holtz on the newly formed third line.
Defensive Pairing Changes
On defense, the pairing of Lauzon and Rasmus Andersson will take charge of the top defensive role, replacing departing players Theodore and Hanifin. Meanwhile, McNabb and Coghlan will form the second defensive pair.
As the Golden Knights head into the game against the Kings on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT, they are currently leading the Pacific Division with a record of 27-16-14. The team aims to bolster their position in the post-Olympic segment of the season amidst these challenges.
