Three Golden Knights May Be Out Against Kings

The Vegas Golden Knights may end up being shorthanded for their Tuesday night game against the Los Angeles Kings. Robin Lehner, Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty have all been deemed as game-time decisions for the contest. On the bright side, however, Nicolas Hague is returning to the lineup.

Stone, Pacioretty and Lehner are not in COVID protocol. They missed today's practice with "bumps and bruises" and are all game-time decisions tomorrow in L.A.

Nic Hague skated today, and is expected to be available to play tomorrow.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) December 27, 2021

If all three of these players end up missing the game, it certainly wouldn't do Vegas any favors for it. They each are key parts of their lineup. Furthermore, the Golden Knights are currently tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division. Thus, they naturally want to separate themselves from them by getting some important wins.

In 24 games this season, Lehner has a 14-9-0 record, 3.03 GAA and .905 SV%. Although he hasn't had the hottest of starts this season, he still is sporting a solid record and knows how to steal games. Thus, Vegas would rather have him than not.

Stone has dealt with some injury trouble this season, but when on the ice, he's once again been fantastic. In 19 games, he has six goals, 23 points and a plus-11 rating. The 29-year-old is making a case for himself to take home the Selke Trophy this season with his strong two-way play, too.

Like Stone, Pacioretty has missed a good chunk of time this year. Yet, even with this being the case, he has an impressive 12 goals and 21 points in just 15 contests. It's been a marvelous campaign for the 33-year-old winger, so they certainly are hoping he will be in the lineup.