LAS VEGAS — Tuesday night marked a series of milestones for Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart, who made his first start in nearly two years against the Chicago Blackhawks. Hart, one of five Canadian players from the 2018 World Junior Championship cleared of sexual assault allegations in July, made 27 saves in a 4-3 shootout victory.
Here are some key moments from the 27-year-old’s debut with the Golden Knights:
- First warm-up: Hart led the team on the ice for warmups, receiving cheers from enthusiastic Vegas fans, including several female supporters holding signs, though some people also voiced disapproval.
- Introduction: As the lights dimmed and the John Wick theme played, Hart was announced as the starting goalie, drawing a strong, if not overwhelming, cheer from the crowd, signaling broad support.
- First lead: Just 27 seconds in, forward Ivan Barbashev scored to give Hart and the Knights an early lead, aided by a deflection off a Chicago defender.
- First goal allowed: The Blackhawks equalized less than a minute later with Oliver Moore’s wrist shot from the circle.
- First breakaway save: Hart made a crucial stop in the first period on Blackhawks veteran Ryan Donato.
- First penalty kill: With just over 14 minutes left in the first period, the Knights faced a penalty kill. Hart didn’t face a shot during this time but was emotionally buoyed as his team held firm.
- First period stats: Hart made seven saves on eight shots, later saying he settled down after conceding Moore’s goal, noting he hadn’t played an NHL game since January 20, 2024.
- First penalty: Early in the second period, Hart took a minor penalty for tripping Ilya Mikheyev during a shorthanded rush.
- First major error: Hart made a risky attempt to poke-check the puck away from Tyler Bertuzzi but ended up surrendering a goal after the puck floated over him.
- First overtime: Hart shone in the final five minutes, stopping all six shots, including a critical moment when teammate Shea Theodore broke his stick.
- First shootout: Hart saved Teuvo Teravainen’s shot, helping the Knights pull off key saves in the shootout, eventually stopping Frank Nazar to secure the win.
- First victory: After 682 days, Hart celebrated his first win as a Golden Knight, embraced joyfully by his teammates.
Photo caption: Chicago Blackhawks center Ryan Donato (8) misses a shot on Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart (79) during the shootout at T-Mobile Arena.
Fan Take: Carter Hart’s return and strong performance is a beacon of hope for Golden Knights fans looking for stability in goal. His resilience and skill after a long hiatus could energize the team and inspire confidence across the league, highlighting the fierce competitive spirit that keeps hockey thrilling.
