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orywireBrayden McNabb left Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final after being hit in the face by a puck. The Golden Knights had not announced a diagnosis or return timetable after the game.
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb has no publicly released diagnosis or return timetable after leaving Stanley Cup Final Game 2 when a puck hit him in the face. Golden Knights coach John Tortorella said after the game that he had not yet spoken with the medical staff, while NHL.com said ESPN reported McNabb was taken to a hospital.
McNabb was knocked out of the game in the first period Thursday night at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. NHL.com reported that he was struck at 10:52 of the period by a slap shot from Carolina Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers while McNabb was in front of the Vegas net.
He went to the Golden Knights’ locker room and did not return. Reuters, citing ESPN, reported Friday that McNabb was transported to a hospital for observation.
Vegas had not announced a diagnosis, injury designation or Game 3 availability for McNabb as of the latest check.
The puck hit McNabb just past the midway point of the first period. He dropped briefly, then skated off while holding his face.
Players immediately signaled for officials after the injury, according to NHL.com. Teammates said after the game they were hoping for the best for McNabb, who is one of Vegas’ veteran defensemen and a key part of its playoff rotation.
Tortorella did not offer a medical update after Carolina’s 4-3 overtime win. Asked about McNabb’s condition, the Vegas coach said, “I haven’t talked to the medical staff yet.”
The Golden Knights finished the game with five defensemen. NHL.com reported that Shea Theodore, Rasmus Andersson, Noah Hanifin, Jeremy Lauzon and Dylan Coghlan took on the remaining minutes after McNabb left.
McNabb’s Game 3 status remains uncertain until the Golden Knights provide an update or release their lineup.
The Stanley Cup Final is tied 1-1 after Carolina’s overtime win in Game 2. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, at 8 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, according to NHL.com. The league lists ABC, SN, CBC and TVAS as the broadcasters.
McNabb has been a major defensive presence for the Golden Knights throughout the postseason. NHL.com reported that he has seven points in 17 playoff games and 33 blocked shots this postseason.
He also led Vegas with 142 blocked shots during the regular season and entered the Final as the franchise leader in blocked shots and hits.
The next meaningful update would likely come from the Golden Knights, the NHL’s official game information, or pregame lineup reporting before Game 3. Until then, there is no confirmed diagnosis, no confirmed timetable and no confirmed decision on whether McNabb will be available Saturday.
