Pair Of Golden Knights Veterans To Return To Lineup Against Avalanche

HC Bruce Cassidy announced that Vegas Golden Knights veterans Alex Pietrangelo and William Karlsson will return to the lineup tonight in the final game of their current road trip against the Colorado Avalanche.

Pietrangelo has missed the previous three games with an upper-body injury he suffered against his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 34-year-old took a puck up in the face in the third period and has been out since.

His return comes at a crucial time. Zach Whitecloud suffered an injury in the third period against the Montreal Canadiens and is likely to be out once again. Pietrangelo will take Robert Hagg’s spot in the lineup and slot next to his usual defence partner, Noah Hanifin.

Related: Golden Knights Veteran Defenseman Labeled Day-To-Day With Upper-Body Injury

Karlsson’s return is just as vital. He missed Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers due to the birth of his second child. The Avalanche roster multiple high-octane offensive players, such as Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar. He’ll be tasked with shutting them down, a duty he has become great at.

Related: Golden Knights’ Zach Whitecloud and William Karlsson Out Tonight Against Flyers

Games in Colorado are difficult due to the high altitude. Karlsson and Pietrangelo have the veteran experience of how to deal with it and are able to play heavy minutes with ease. The Golden Knights Pacific Division lead is just three points over the Calgary Flames and need every point they can get to maintain and extend their lead.

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