Golden Knights’ McNabb hospitalized after puck strike in Stanley Cup Final
Brayden McNabb was taken to hospital after being struck by an 87 mph puck during the first period of the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb was transported to a hospital following a facial injury sustained during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. The incident occurred in the first period at the Lenovo Center, leaving the Golden Knights with a 1-0 advantage in the series.
McNabb was positioned in front of goaltender Carter Hart when Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers fired a shot from inside the blue line. The puck, travelling at 87 mph, struck McNabb around the visor. He dropped to the ice before rising to his skates, clutching his nose, and exited the rink without returning for the second period.
ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan confirmed that McNabb left the arena for further medical evaluation. The specific nature of his injuries, including whether a concussion or facial fracture was sustained, has not been disclosed.
Jeremy Lauzon replaced McNabb on the top defensive pairing alongside Shea Theodore for the remainder of the match. McNabb has recorded one goal and six assists in 16 playoff games this season, averaging 20 minutes and 53 seconds of ice time per contest.
The Golden Knights took a 1-0 series lead following a historic 5-4 victory in Game 1. That match marked the first time a road team staged a multi-goal comeback win in the opening game of the Final, with defencemen Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb each recording three points.
