Golden Knights Make Sweeping Lineup Changes After 2 Losses

After getting out to a 2-0 series lead in their first-round set with the Dallas Stars, the Vegas Golden Knights have dropped two straight, and head coach Bruce Cassidy has taken to completely shaking things up heading into Game 5 Wednesday night.

Morning practice saw a massive shake-up in all areas of the lineup.

Massive shake up in the Golden Knights lines and d-pairings after 2 losses.

I believe Mantha is skating in place of Karlsson, who hasn’t skated outside of games while dealing with an injury, but should play.

Hertl—Eichel—Marchessault
Dorofeyev—Stephenson—Stone…
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) May 1, 2024

Tomas Hertl moves up to the top line with Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault, while Ivan Barbashev drops down to the... fourth line? On the blueline, Noah Hanifin will now be on the... third-pairing? Pavel Dorofoyev also enters the fray, straight into the second line.

It's all a bit shocking to some fans...

Classic Bruce Cassidy😂 I trust he knows what he is doing but wow
— Savjz (@Savjz) May 1, 2024

Hanifin demoted to 3rd line D-pairing after that game? Sheeeesh.
— Paul (@Ephedra007) May 1, 2024

All of it seems to be an overall balancing of things from top to bottom.

The forward manoeuvering appears to leave the lineup with, in essence, three "second lines", while on defense, Hanifin may be able to really step up his offensive game playing next to Ben Hutton, who'll be making his first appearance in the series.

In addition, Cassidy will be turning to last year's playoff hero between the pipes, Adin Hill, to make his first start of the series, replacing Logan Thompson despite his .921 save percentage over the first four games.

Bruce Cassidy confirms Adin Hill is in.

Said Thompson played well and got the team in a good spot, but ultimately the decision came down to Hill’s playoff experience. He said Hill has been here before and that played a role.
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) May 1, 2024

Cassidy points to Hill's playoff experience for the decision.

Game 5 goes Wednesday night in Dallas.