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Vegas Golden Knights Set Game 6 Lineup, Reilly Smith Returns to the Ice
The Vegas Golden Knights announced their Game 6 lineup for the Stanley Cup Final on Sunday morning, confirming that veteran right‑winger Reilly Smith will return to the roster after missing the previous five games. Smith, who has not played since Game 6 of the first‑round series against the Utah Jazz, is expected to take the wing in a line that will feature Brandon Saad as a backup option.
According to Sportsnet, Brayden McNabb said of Smith, “I’m excited for him. He’s played in a lot of big games, and I expect a big game. He means a lot. Good player, he gets it and has been a great teammate through this run.” The Golden Knights’ head coach, John Tortorella, added that Smith is “an original and had some big plays in this building.” Tortorella also noted that Saad, who has not played since Game 2 against Colorado, is a “good player” who has done his work during the season.
The lineup, as released by the organization, is:
- Barbashev – Eichel – Stone - Howden – Hertl – Marner - R. Smith – Sissons – Dorofeyev - C. Smith – Dowd – Kolesar - McNabb – Theodore - Hanifin – Andersson - Coghlan – Lauzon - Hart – Hill
The decision comes after the team’s leading forward, William Karlsson, suffered an injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the series. Karlsson’s absence has prompted the coaching staff to rely on veteran depth.
Tortorella expressed confidence that the experience of the lineup will be sufficient for the high‑intensity environment of the Cup Final. He said, “I’m sure the intensity and with the crowd and all that it will be different, but they’ve practised at a high level. They’ll be ready to play.” The coach also highlighted that the team’s second line will likely feature Mitch Marner and Tomas Hertl.
The Golden Knights’ captain, Jordan Staal, praised the motivational approach of the coaching staff. Staal said, “He’s got a few good ones. Obviously a great motivator. He puts time into it, I know he does.” He added that the coach’s speeches are tailored to the team’s mood.
The team’s morale is reportedly high, with winger Cole Smith noting that the locker room “has a lot of confidence.” Smith added that the players do not doubt their ability to win the game.
The Golden Knights’ goaltending remains unchanged from the previous game, with Brandon Bussi expected to start and Frederik Andersen unlikely to dress.
The lineup decision follows a series of strong performances by the Golden Knights, who have won three consecutive closeout games in the series. The team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure is a key factor as they face elimination for the first time in the season.
The game will be played at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night. The Golden Knights’ next opponent is the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been the team’s toughest challenge in the series.
The Golden Knights’ roster decisions, coaching comments, and player statements provide a clear picture of the team’s strategy for Game 6: rely on veteran experience, maintain line stability, and focus on execution in a high‑stakes environment.
The outcome of the game will determine whether the Golden Knights can force a Game 7 or if the Hurricanes will win the Stanley Cup. The series remains tied 3‑3, and the next game will be played in Carolina.
The Golden Knights’ coaching staff and players remain focused on the task ahead, with the team’s leadership emphasizing preparation, confidence, and the importance of each player’s role in the pursuit of a championship.
According to Sportsnet, Brayden McNabb said of Smith, “I’m excited for him. He’s played in a lot of big games, and I expect a big game. He means a lot. Good player, he gets it and has been a great teammate through this run.” The Golden Knights’ head coach, John Tortorella, added that Smith is “an original and had some big plays in this building.” Tortorella also noted that Saad, who has not played since Game 2 against Colorado, is a “good player” who has done his work during the season.
The lineup, as released by the organization, is:
- Barbashev – Eichel – Stone - Howden – Hertl – Marner - R. Smith – Sissons – Dorofeyev - C. Smith – Dowd – Kolesar - McNabb – Theodore - Hanifin – Andersson - Coghlan – Lauzon - Hart – Hill
The decision comes after the team’s leading forward, William Karlsson, suffered an injury that has sidelined him for the remainder of the series. Karlsson’s absence has prompted the coaching staff to rely on veteran depth.
Tortorella expressed confidence that the experience of the lineup will be sufficient for the high‑intensity environment of the Cup Final. He said, “I’m sure the intensity and with the crowd and all that it will be different, but they’ve practised at a high level. They’ll be ready to play.” The coach also highlighted that the team’s second line will likely feature Mitch Marner and Tomas Hertl.
The Golden Knights’ captain, Jordan Staal, praised the motivational approach of the coaching staff. Staal said, “He’s got a few good ones. Obviously a great motivator. He puts time into it, I know he does.” He added that the coach’s speeches are tailored to the team’s mood.
The team’s morale is reportedly high, with winger Cole Smith noting that the locker room “has a lot of confidence.” Smith added that the players do not doubt their ability to win the game.
The Golden Knights’ goaltending remains unchanged from the previous game, with Brandon Bussi expected to start and Frederik Andersen unlikely to dress.
The lineup decision follows a series of strong performances by the Golden Knights, who have won three consecutive closeout games in the series. The team’s ability to maintain composure under pressure is a key factor as they face elimination for the first time in the season.
The game will be played at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday night. The Golden Knights’ next opponent is the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been the team’s toughest challenge in the series.
The Golden Knights’ roster decisions, coaching comments, and player statements provide a clear picture of the team’s strategy for Game 6: rely on veteran experience, maintain line stability, and focus on execution in a high‑stakes environment.
The outcome of the game will determine whether the Golden Knights can force a Game 7 or if the Hurricanes will win the Stanley Cup. The series remains tied 3‑3, and the next game will be played in Carolina.
The Golden Knights’ coaching staff and players remain focused on the task ahead, with the team’s leadership emphasizing preparation, confidence, and the importance of each player’s role in the pursuit of a championship.
