Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart dismisses Carolina fan chants as ‘just noise’
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Carolina fan chants 'just noise,' says Knights goalie Carter Hart
Hart’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Vegas Golden Knights coach John Tortorella has affirmed his confidence in goaltender Carter Hart as the team prepares for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. This decision comes despite Hart being the first goalie in the series to concede four goals in each of the first five games. The Hurricanes currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, with the opportunity to clinch the Stanley Cup in T-Mobile Arena on Sunday.
Tortorella, who previously coached Hart in Philadelphia, has consistently defended his goaltender. He stated that he knows Hart has a better game within him, having witnessed it throughout the playoffs. While acknowledging the statistics, Tortorella emphasized the need to evaluate the play around Hart and the nature of the goals scored.
The Golden Knights‘ defence has faced criticism for its performance in the series, leading to numerous challenging shots for Hart. Carolina’s Jordan Staal has notably capitalized on opportunities in front of the net, scoring at least one goal in every game.
Despite his recent struggles, Hart played a crucial role in the Golden Knights reaching this stage of the playoffs. He recorded a 12-4 record in the initial three rounds, maintaining a 2.22 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. However, his performance against the Hurricanes has seen his goals-against average rise to 3.70 and his save percentage drop to .856.
Hart himself acknowledged his performance, stating, “I haven’t been at my best this series. I’ll be better next game and ready to go.”
Media Attention and Fan Reaction
Hart’s media availability has been limited throughout the series, with Saturday marking only his second appearance. His previous interaction with the media was during the NHL-mandated media day before the final began, where he reportedly left early after a question regarding his return to play following an acquittal last July. Hart and four other players from the 2018 Canada world junior team were acquitted of sexual assault charges.
The NHL had previously ruled these players eligible to sign deals starting October 15 and to play from December 1. Hart subsequently signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Golden Knights.
His return to the league has made Hart a polarizing figure. In Carolina, he has been subjected to “no means no” chants from the crowd. Hart, however, downplayed the impact of these chants, describing them as “just noise.” He added that both atmospheres in both buildings have been very loud and enjoyable to play in.
In contrast, Golden Knights fans have largely supported Hart, with cheers for him intensifying during pregame introductions as Vegas progressed through the post-season. This support mirrors the backing given to Adin Hill during the team’s 2023 Cup victory. Hill has been a spectator for the past two months while Hart has been in goal.
Tortorella’s commitment to Hart was evident when he dismissed a question about potentially replacing Hart with Hill after a 4-2 loss in Carolina on Thursday, calling it a “stupidest question.”
Looking Ahead to Game 6
The question of a goaltender change could be resolved in one of two ways. If the Hurricanes win Game 6 on Sunday, they will secure the series, shifting focus for Vegas to the off-season and the future of Tortorella, who took over as coach with eight games remaining in the regular season.
Alternatively, if Hart can regain his earlier playoff form, he could be a pivotal factor in forcing a Game 7. The situation contrasts with the Hurricanes, whose coach Rod Brind’Amour made a goaltender change in Game 3, bringing in Brandon Bussi, who has remained in net since. Carolina subsequently forced overtime in that game, which they eventually lost, before winning Games 4 and 5.
Hart acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “They’ve gotten some lucky bounces, and there’s a few plays that I’ve got to make some more saves. I’ve just got to prepare the same way as any other game, and I’ll be ready to go.” The Stanley Cup will be present at T-Mobile Arena for Game 6 on Sunday.
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Source: theglobeandmail.com
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