LAS VEGAS (AP) — Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart was activated off injured reserve and started Vegas' game Thursday night against the Calgary Flames.
Hart has been out sinceinjuring his left legJan. 8 against Columbus.
John Tortorella, in his second gamesince replacing Bruce Cassidy, coached Hart in Philadelphia in from 2022-24.
"Carter and I have a really good relationship," Tortorella said. "He's becoming a really good pro. I love the kid. We've had a lot of conversations. I think he's handled himself so well through some pretty hard times the past couple of years.
"I think he's a good kid. People have made judgments on him. People are still making judgments on him."
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Vegas signed Hart in October and hemade his first appearanceDec. 2 in a 4-3 victory over Chicago. It was his first NHL appearance in nearly two years.
Hart was one of five 2018 Canada world junior hockey playersacquitted of sexual assaultin July. He was the first of those fiveagree to an NHL contract. Theleague ruledthose players were eligible to sign deals beginning Oct. 15 and to play starting Dec. 1. Hart signed atwo-year, $4 million contract.
With Hart back in the lineup, the Golden Knights have three goalies. Adin Hill has been operating as the starter, and Akira Schmid also is on the roster.
"I have no plan on how to attack it," Tortorella said. "I have a plan on who the goalie's going to be the next game."
AP NHL:https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL