Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart has garnered considerable praise from head coach John Tortorella as they head into Game 2. Tortorella’s words underscore Hart’s significance to the team’s Stanley Cup Playoffs campaign.
Tortorella’s Confidence in Hart
Tortorella expressed strong confidence in Hart’s abilities. “Carter Hart’s a hell of a goalie,” Tortorella said. He further added, “… I think he’s grown so strong mentally. I don’t think much bothers him. He is just zeroed in, and he’s going to have to be, because we’ve got a little bit of work to do here.”
Hart was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2016 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut in 2018-19 and was the primary netminder for the Flyers under Tortorella for two seasons. He would take a leave of absence at the end of the 2023-24 season and was not signed in 2024-25 due to sexual assault allegations. The NHL determined that the five players accused of the assault, who were found not guilty, would be able to sign NHL contracts in 2025 and begin play in December. That is when the Golden Knights signed Hart.
Hart’s Playoff Performance
Hart has been the starting goalie for the Golden Knights throughout the playoffs. He has started all 13 games. His current playoff record stands at 9-4, accompanied by a 2.35 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.
In Game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche, Hart saved 36 of 38 shots. He dealt with cramping late in the game. Tortorella has stuck with Hart despite having Adin Hill available.
Hill’s Role and Hart’s Consistency
Tortorella acknowledged Adin Hill’s experience. “’Hilly,’ he’s a Stanley Cup winner, right?” Tortorella said. He then clarified the decision to keep Hart as the starter: “We have trust in him. We haven’t gone there. We felt Carter has played that well, so we’ve stayed with him. It’s not like you’re trying to fix something that isn’t broke.”
Hart is slated to start in Game 2, scheduled for Friday night. Puck drop is set for 8 pm ET.