Let's not talk about the past with Vegas Golden Knights netminder Carter Hart for a second. Let's focus on how he enters Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers on the other team. After all, he was their netminder for the Flyers for six seasons.
Thursday marks another part of the Vegas chapter as he's on the opposing bench for the first time. Fans will certainly let their feelings be known about the goaltender through their voices. Heck, you might see Gritty do a flying elbow through a table.
If he plays? Expect Philadelphia to let their feelings be known throughout the game. I'd say 60 minutes would be fitting for the duration of such an expression. But has Hart actually played 60 minutes or less in a game for the Golden Knights this season?
If he doesn't? Well, Philly will likely let their feelings be known when they see the 27-year-old. Philadelphia is a unique town with passionate (albeit sometimes rabid) fans. They've been known to throw batteries and boo Santa Claus. That's right, they've booed Santa Claus, just in time for Christmas. 'Tis the season to boo St. Nick and throw batteries at him, I guess?
Regardless of whether Carter Hart plays or not, the Vegas Golden Knights star will have an impact
Let's say that Hart steps onto the ice for Thursday's matchup against his former team. What can the new Golden Knights goaltender expect from his old squad? For one, the Flyers have been surprising with 35 points, staying in the thick of a tight Metropolitan Division race. Thanks to big-name acquisitions like Trevor Zegras (10 goals and 17 assists), Philadelphia suddenly looks... good?
They also have passable goaltending for the first time in forever with Dan Vladar. The former Flames netminder has a GAA of 2.50 and a save percentage of .908 in 17 games this season, solidifying a position that has normally plagued Philadelphia. But what about Hart? What happens if he's not on the ice?
If he doesn't play, the Golden Knights will get bigger in net with Akira Schmid. Although the sample size is relatively small, Schmid looks like a better play against Hart's former team. He has a GAA of 1.80 and a save percentage of .946 against Philadelphia despite playing four games. That includes a 23-save shutout on February 25, 2023, where the Devils made like Ivan Drago and knocked out the Flyers.
The Flyers will probably need to adapt to the goaltending change if Hart doesn't start
If Schmid's in, he can use that size to his advantage and cover the net easily. However, it's a matter of executing that plan, specifically with Philadelphia being the fourth-youngest team in the NHL. They have an average age of 26.88, bringing a similar problem seen against the Anaheim Ducks.
If it's Hart, we're seeing cerebral play and plenty of quick movements. Granted, he's still in the process of shaking off the rust of not playing in nearly two years. That means keeping Hart off-balance and spending more time in the offensive zone.
Regardless, Hart will be the main focus of Thursday's game for different reasons. If Golden Knights fans remember the November 8 game against the Anaheim Ducks, Anaheim had success in attacking the middle and getting past Schmid. That could be a different ballgame, should Hart start (Rhymes Like Dimes!).
UPDATE: Per Emily Kaplan, Hart isn’t expected to start against Philadelphia tonight.