Las Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar (55) skates past two Blackhawks defenders towards the net during a NHL game between the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Chicago Blackhawks, Thursday February 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev.Derek HegnaTue, December 2, 2025 at 7:38 PM UTC·3 min readAfter months of controversy, the Vegas Golden Knights will finally see what Carter Hart can do for them.
On Tuesday, the Golden Knights complete a four-game homestand when they face the Chicago Blackhawks at T-Mobile Arena.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVenue: T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, NV
Date: Tuesday, December 2
Time: 7:00 pm PST
How To Watch: ESPN+, HULU
Radio: 1340 AM, 101 ESPN (101.1 FM)
As first reported by NHL insider Kevin Weekes and confirmed at morning skate, Hart is set to play in his first NHL game since Jan. 20, 2024. Hart, who was officially reinstated by the league on Dec. 1, has spent the last few weeks with the Henderson Silver Knights with mixed results. Now back in the NHL, Hart hopes his Vegas debut goes smoothly, despite the outside noise that is sure to follow him.
Here is how the team in front of him can do their new goaltender a favor.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHart of gold
Despite getting a run in Henderson, Hart is sure to face a challenge in his first taste of NHL action in almost two years.
While it is fair to want Hart to make some timely saves, the team in front of him can make life easier by giving him some run support early and often. The Golden Knights were able to do that for Carl Lindbom in their last game against the San Jose Sharks, and it ended with the team being able to weather a late storm and give the Swedish netminder his first career NHL win. With players like Jack Eichel, Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl playing quality hockey right now, the Golden Knights have the ability to give Hart some much-needed breathing room.
Change for the better
Against the Sharks, head coach Bruce Cassidy took the chance to shake the lineup, with Cole Reinhardt and Alexander Holtz replacing Brandon Saad and Reilly Smith in the victory.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe changes clearly had some level of impact, as Reinhardt remains in the lineup on the fourth line with Colton Sissons and Keegan Kolesar. On the other hand, Holtz struggled against the Sharks and has been swapped out for Saad. Hopefully, the message sent last game remains with the team and continues to convince them to up their game as the season progresses.
New sheriff in Chi-town
It took a little longer than anticipated, but Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard is finally looking like the generational talent that was advertised when he was selected first overall in 2023.
After a sophomore slump, Bedard has taken the NHL by storm as he hopes to lead the Blackhawks to a surprise playoff appearance. Prior to Tuesday’s slate of games, Bedard currently ranks third in points (37) and tied for fifth in goals (16). The Golden Knights will have to keep their heads up anytime number 98 touches the ice, and containing him would go a long way towards getting a victory.
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