Golden Knights make a surprising lineup decision ahead of Game 1 against the Utah Mammoth
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Today, the Vegas Golden Knights have shocked fans by naming polarizing goaltender Carter Hart as their starter for Game 1 against the Utah Mammoth.
The Vegas Golden Knights head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs seeking stability after an up and down regular season including a late season coaching change.
The Golden Knights decided to bring in former Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella in to give the group a late season spark heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Now, Tortorella has surprised many putting his stamp on the team by naming former Flyers starter Carter Hart the Golden Knights goaltender for Game 1.
Tortorella confirms Carter Hart will start Game 1 for VGK. No other changes to the lineup (maybe the lines).
The move from Tortorella has sparked discussion and confusion as many believed Akira Schmid or Adin Hill would get the start.
John Tortorella sparks discussion after naming Carter Hart Game 1 starter
After the announcement was made, social media exploded with debate over who deserved to start game one.
Many had believed that Adin Hill who has the most playoff experience would get the game one start with Schmid and Hart fighting to back him up.
However, with Hart healthy over the last two weeks, Tortorella seems to want his guy in net for the biggest games of the year which is certainly a bold choice.
Since returning from injury, Hart has been locked in and playing well which likely was the biggest factor in Tortorella naming him the starter.
As game one gets underway, it will be interesting to see if Hart rises to the occasion or if Tortorella will regret his decision and have to go elsewhere in game two.
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