Vegas Golden Knights: Ryan Carpenter May Have Role In Stretch Run

The Vegas Golden Knights need Ryan Carpenter to step up if William Carrier can’t play for an extended period.

We all know how big of an impact the fourth line means to the Vegas Golden Knights. The group that consists of Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, William Carrier, and Tomas Nosek is among the best fourth lines in hockey. Unfortunately, due to injuries, Head Coach Gerard Gallant had to make some changes to the lineup.

The Golden Knights forward depth isn’t as strong as their defensive depth especially with Carrier and Nosek both out nursing injuries. If Vegas needs anyone to step up and perform on their fourth line its Ryan Carpenter. This is Carpenter’s most significant opportunity of his young NHL career, and he must seize his chance.

The Golden Knights weren’t going to scratch Brendan Leipsic for the remainder of the season, but I still believe Carpenter is the 13th forward on this club with everyone healthy. Vegas values young forwards like Nosek and Carrier as critical parts not only to their fourth line but their penalty-kill as well. But as of right now, this is the time for Carpenter to make his presence known.

In 23 games played, the Oviedo, Florida native has only notched two goals, two assists, and four points. He’ll never be known as a high-end player in the NHL. However, he does bring some toughness and physicality which is what the Golden Knights need.

He scored both goals in consecutive games with Vegas against the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. If he brings that rough, edgy style of play along with some offensive ability to the bottom six of the Golden Knights, he could stick in the lineup. Whenever Carrier or Nosek return, you’d have to think the Knights will have to make a tough decision no matter what.

Whether its sitting Oscar Lindberg, Leipsic or Carpenter, it’s not going to be easy. Leipsic brings more of a jump in the speed game while Lindberg brings some skill along with some defensive prowess and then you have Carpenter physicality. It’s a good problem to have if your Gallant.

He can mix and match for the rest of the year depending on the type of opponent. But that’s not until the team gets 100% healthy. This could be Carpenter’s only chance to shine in the Golden Knights lineup so he has to make this count and he’s done an excellent job so far.

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Overall, I think Carpenter receives a fair shot, but I don’t see him cracking the lineup when everyone’s back healthy. There are just too many players in the lineup to go around and outplay. However, if he can keep up this pace, he’s going to make Gallant look long and hard at a difficult choice.