Having already ruled out center Jack Eichel and defenseman Noah Hanifin from champion United States, the Golden Knights traveled without Canadian forwards Mark Stone and Mitch Marner and defenseman Shea Theodore.
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“Well, it’s a challenge for the group and it’s an opportunity for others, so we still have 20 NHL players in our lineup,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Obviously, there’s less room for error when you’re missing a few that really make a difference.”
The United States beat Canada 2-1 in overtime in Milan on Sunday. Eichel, Stone and Marner are Las Vegas’ top three-point producers, Theodore and Hanifin lead Las Vegas defensemen in time and points on the ice.
Eichel and Hanifin will join the Golden Knights in Washington and are expected to play against the Capitals on Friday night. Cassidy expressed optimism that Stone, Marner and Theodore will make the trip from Las Vegas to the East Coast and will also be available Friday.
Vegas has reinforcements in the lineup with forwards Brandon Saad (undisclosed) and Colton Sissions (upper body) and defenseman Brayden McNabb (upper body) all activated from injured reserve on Tuesday.
The Golden Knights have a four-point lead over the second-place Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division. Vegas will play 18 games over the next 35 days.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl