The Vegas Golden Knights are making critical adjustments as they gear up for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars. The most significant change comes between the pipes, with Adin Hill stepping in as the starting goalie at the American Airlines Center, as confirmed by head coach Bruce Cassidy.
Hill replaces Logan Thompson, who had been the starter in the first four games. While Thompson performed admirably, allowing a combined four goals in the Knights’ victories in Games 1 and 2, he conceded six goals in the Stars’ Game 3 and 4 wins. Cassidy has opted for Hill, who was instrumental in the Knights’ Stanley Cup victory last year.
The coaching staff is also reshuffling the offensive lineup. Tomas Hertl will join center Jack Eichel and right-winger Jonathan Marchessault on the top line. Ivan Barbashev shifts to the fourth line, replacing Keegan Kolesar. Additionally, Pavel Dorofeyev makes his playoff debut, pairing with Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone on the second line.
Cassidy hopes this reorganization will jump-start the offense, particularly for Stephenson and Stone, who have been quiet so far in the series. The defensive lines also see changes, with Alec Martinez moving up to the top pair alongside Alex Pietrangelo, while Noah Hanifin drops to the third pair, playing with veteran Ben Hutton.
The restructured lineup demonstrates the Knights’ commitment to making a strong comeback in this crucial game, aiming to advance further in the playoffs. The projected lineup for Game 5 includes:
- Tomas Hertl — Jack Eichel — Jonathan Marchessault
- Pavel Dorofeyev — Chandler Stephenson — Mark Stone
- Brett Howden — William Karlsson — Michael Amadio
- William Carrier — Nicolas Roy — Ivan Barbashev
Defensive pairs:
- Alec Martinez — Alex Pietrangelo
- Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore
- Noah Hanifin — Ben Hutton
Goaltender: Adin Hill
Fans eagerly await to see if these changes will bring the spark needed for a Knights victory, as they aim to gain the upper hand against the Stars.
