The Vegas Golden Knights are gearing up for Game 2 of their second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers, but they'll be without their top scorer, Pavel Dorofeyev, who has been ruled out due to an undisclosed injury. This comes after Dorofeyev had a breakout season, leading the team with 35 goals and contributing 17 assists over 82 games. His absence is a significant blow for the Knights, especially considering he had scored one goal and one assist in the playoffs prior to his injury.
According to reports from Jesse Granger of The Athletic, head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Dorofeyev skated during practice but will not be available for tonight's game. "Pavel Dorofeyev will miss Game 2 tonight," Cassidy stated. This decision follows Dorofeyev's missed appearances in the playoffs, including the series-clinching Game 6 against the Minnesota Wild, where he last played.
In a twist of fate, defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is considered a game-time decision for the Golden Knights. Pietrangelo, who was a late scratch for Game 1 due to an illness, participated in the morning skate today. Cassidy mentioned that there is a possibility Pietrangelo could play, stating, "He has a chance to play tonight, we’ll make the call later." This uncertainty adds to the tension as the Knights look to even the series at home.
Pietrangelo's experience is invaluable; he logged an average of 22:30 ice time during the first-round series against the Wild, where he recorded one goal, two assists, and was a plus-2. His leadership on the ice could be crucial for the Golden Knights, especially in a high-stakes matchup against a formidable opponent like the Oilers.
The Oilers, on the other hand, are expected to maintain their winning lineup after a near-perfect performance in Game 1, which they won 4-2. The Oilers have been on a roll, winning five consecutive games, all of which required them to come from behind to secure victory. Their lines are set to include superstars Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evander Kane, who have been instrumental in their playoff success.
As the Golden Knights prepare to face the Oilers, Cassidy has opted to revert to more traditional line combinations in hopes of boosting the team's scoring. The expected lines for Vegas include Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, and Mark Stone on the top line, while the second line features Brandon Saad, Tomas Hertl, and Victor Olofsson, who steps in for Dorofeyev. The third line is expected to be William Karlsson, Adam Howden, and Ryan Smith, while the fourth line will focus on energy and physical play.
In terms of defense, the Knights will rely on a combination of McNabb, Theodore, and potentially Pietrangelo, depending on his health status. Pietrangelo’s absence in Game 1 was felt deeply, as he is one of the team’s top defenders and plays a crucial role in both defensive and offensive situations.
Adin Hill will once again be in net for Vegas after facing four goals in the opening game. Hill's performance will be under scrutiny as the Knights aim to bounce back and level the series on home ice. The pressure is on, as the Golden Knights need to capitalize on their home advantage and find a way to break through the Oilers' defense.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries and lineup changes, the Golden Knights remain optimistic. They know the importance of this game, especially as they strive to even the series before heading back to Edmonton. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team.
As the puck drops at 9:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. MT, all eyes will be on the Golden Knights to see how they adapt to the absence of Dorofeyev and potentially the return of Pietrangelo. Will they rise to the occasion and secure a crucial win, or will the Oilers continue their winning streak? Only time will tell as this thrilling playoff series unfolds.
