Do the Golden Knights pivot to Adin Hill after shaky performances from Carter Hart?
Phew. That’s probably the collective reaction of Vegas Golden Knights fans after pulling out a 5-4 overtime victory on Monday against the Utah Mammoth to even their first-round series at 2-2 heading into a pivotal Game 5 on Wednesday. Vegas jumped out to a 3-0 advantage, but allowed Utah to score four straight goals to take the lead before a Brett Howden goal evened things back up midway through the third period, allowing Shea Theodore to win it in overtime.
Despite Monday’s victory, the Golden Knights have been playing with fire this series, and they have to be wondering if a change in net would give them the best chance to win it. Goaltender Carter Hart has given up four goals in each of the last two games, and was especially poor in Game 3, giving up four goals on 12 shots. Vegas coach John Tortorella could turn to Adin Hill, who backstopped the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023, for Game 5.
On Tuesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discussed whether a goaltending change is something Vegas should consider.
Tyler Yaremchuk: If Vegas would’ve lost this game and been down 3-1, I have no doubt that it would’ve been Adin Hill getting the start in Game 5 for the Golden Knights. If you’re Vegas, does the win truly wash away another subpar performance from Hart, or do you still contemplate maybe giving the net back to Adin Hill?
Carter Hutton: I don’t think so, now. I think because of the way Carter Hart played at home, and how well he has played, I think you found a way to win and that kind of trumps everything at this point. To make that switch, it would have to be a loss.
When you’re headed into Game 5 with a 2-2 matchup, it’s going to be very hard to go to Adin Hill from here on out. I think right now, it’s Carter Hart’s net. You have to ride that wave, you’re married to it, and then you reassess where you’re at. You’re either out of the playoffs, or you’re moving on to round two. I don’t think Carter Hart was an x-factor last night. I thought when the ice started to tilt and Utah started to come, he couldn’t really fight them off. That being said, he has been good. He’s been very good in this series, he’s battled.
You can catch the full discussion and the rest of Tuesday’s episode here…