Karlsson ruled out for Game 2 as Golden Knights face elimination pressure
Karlsson ruled out for Game 2 as Golden Knights face elimination pressure
William Karlsson will not play in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday, Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella confirmed Saturday, leaving the team short-handed as it attempts to extend the series against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Golden Knights trail the series and must win at home to force a deciding Game 7 in Raleigh.
The Swedish forward left Game 5 after absorbing a heavy hit from Carolina defenseman Sean Walker. Karlsson briefly returned to the bench before the team's medical staff intervened, and he did not come back onto the ice. Tortorella identified the loss of Karlsson as a turning point in that game. "When we lose Bill, it kind of screws things up," the coach said, per Sportsnet. "We lost momentum when we went back-to-back in penalties. It was about the same time that we lost Bill. We've got to find a way."
Karlsson, 33, is one of four remaining players from the Golden Knights' inaugural 2017 roster and carries significant weight within the locker room. Injuries restricted him to 14 regular-season games this year, yet he has posted nine points - three goals and six assists - across the playoff run, alongside a plus-minus rating of plus-10. Tortorella also confirmed that goaltender Carter Hart will start Game 6. Hart has conceded four or more goals in every game of the series, prompting speculation about whether backup Adin Hill, who backstopped Vegas to the Stanley Cup in 2023, might be given a start to shift momentum.
With Karlsson sidelined and questions persisting in goal, the Golden Knights face a demanding task Sunday. A loss eliminates them; a win sets up a winner-take-all Game 7 back in Carolina.
