Golden Knights Miss Five Olympians in Showdown with Kings
The Vegas Golden Knights are facing a difficult situation as they prepare for their game against the Los Angeles Kings. Missing from the lineup will be five Olympians due to their participation in the recent Olympics.
Missing Olympians
Head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, Noah Hanifin, and Shea Theodore will not play. All five athletes took part in the gold-medal game on Sunday and are unable to join their team for their first game back on Wednesday.
Marner, Stone, and Theodore are still in Las Vegas, while Eichel and Hanifin are celebrating their Olympic victory at the White House. The team decided to leave these key players behind for logistical reasons, as traveling back to Washington from Italy would have complicated their schedule.
Coach Cassidy noted, “We left them behind to give them a break, hoping they’ll be ready for the next match against Washington.”
Injury Issues Continue
The absence of these five Olympians exacerbates the existing injury challenges for the Golden Knights. Currently, they are also without centers Brett Howden and William Karlsson, as well as goaltender Carter Hart.
- 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 Changes for Kings Game
With these key players absent, the Golden Knights are making significant adjustments to their lineup. Returning from injury, Brayden McNabb, Brandon Saad, and Colton Sissons will fill in on the third line. Dylan Coghlan and Tanner Laczynski are also expected to play instead of the missing Olympians.
The new lineup will blend first and third lines to compensate for Eichel and Stone’s absence. Laczynski will take over Marner’s position on the second line, while Saad and Sissons will join Alex Holtz on the newly created third line.
Defensive Pairing Adjustments
On defense, Lauzon and Rasmus Andersson will take on the top defensive role, replacing the injured Theodore and Hanifin. McNabb and Coghlan will form the second defensive pair. The Golden Knights are hoping these changes allow them to maintain their position as they face the Kings.
As they enter this matchup on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT, the Golden Knights lead the Pacific Division with a record of 27-16-14. They aim to strengthen their standings in the post-Olympic phase amidst considerable challenges.
