As I'm watching Monsters Inc. (fun movie, by the way. I absolutely LOVE Billy Crystal in this film), I see who the starter is for tonight's Vegas Golden Knights game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The name? Carter Hart.
Much has been made about Hart after he was signed to a two-year deal with the Golden Knights. Now? He's expected to make his debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, per Kevin Weekes. He was reinstated on December 1st and is returning after nearly two years. In turn, Carl Lindbom has been sent down to the Henderson Silver Knights.
Currently, the Golden Knights need any goaltending help that they get. Without Adin Hill, they had to rely on a backup in Akira Schmid and Henderson Silver Knights hotshot, Carl Lindbom. Hart adds much-needed depth that Vegas needs, keeping them afloat despite numerous key injuries.
So, let's focus on what he can bring for Tuesday's matchup against the Blackhawks. What can Hart do to help the Golden Knights win and build momentum? What attributes does he bring to the table that can help Vegas?
Don't be surprised if Carter Hart appears rusty in net for the Vegas Golden Knights
Life has a funny way of working when it comes to our favorite activities. When you haven't practiced something, it's no longer second-nature. It doesn't matter if it's riding a bike or kicking a soccer ball. Once you don't practice something for too long, it's tough to get back into a groove.
That will certainly be the case for Hart, especially after he missed the 2024-25 season to deal with court proceedings. That has Golden Knights fans wondering whether he'll be worth it for Kelly McCrimmon and company.
"Is it worth taking a risk on a goaltender who hasn't been in the league since early 2024?"
That's the big question that looms large ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Blackhawks. Let's be honest. It's not easy when you're facing off against Connor Bedard, especially when he has 16 goals (tied for fourth in the NHL entering Tuesday).
So, what can Hart do to get the Vegas Golden Knights a victory against the Blackhawks?
Hart must lean on his strong glove hand and hockey sense to carry the Golden Knights. Not being in an NHL game for a year will hurt his reflexes a bit, leaving him more prone to harder shots. Therefore, Tuesday's game must be one where Hart has the cerebral edge.
But as everyone knows, hockey is a team effort. You can stop all the shots that you wish, only to be roasted by one inadvertent goal. That was the case with Carl Lindbom in his first career start, where the Golden Knights only mustered 19 shots and a goal.
Therefore, it's on the team to pick up Hart and take away any good scoring opportunities. Make the Blackhawks work for their space and take away the middle of the ice. Most of all, build off the momentum from Saturday's offensive showing against the San Jose Sharks.
If all of this culminates in a win, then it'll be good news for Kelly McCrimmon and company. The Golden Knights have searched for goaltending stability throughout the season, especially after Adin Hill went down with a lower-body injury. Surprisingly, the answer could come from the unlikeliest of sources.