Golden Knights Coach Confident in Hart Despite Playoff Struggles Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella has publicly reaffirmed his unwavering belief in goaltender Carter Hart, despite the netminder’s struggles in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tortorella, who has guided Hart through three and a half seasons with the team, emphasized that the 27-year-old’s ability to recover from setbacks and prepare for the next game remains a key strength. However, Hart’s performance in the postseason has raised concerns, as he ranks 16th among NHL goaltenders in save percentage (.888) and goals-against average (3.02). Tortorella’s confidence in Hart is rooted in his perceived growth over the years, though the coach acknowledged the goaltender’s challenges. “I think he’s able to put it away and that’s what a goalie has to do,” Tortorella said, highlighting Hart’s capacity to bounce back from poor stretches. The coach also noted that Hart’s mental resilience is critical, as he must avoid overthinking during moments of struggle. Hart’s performance has been partially buoyed by the Golden Knights’ offensive output, which ranks fourth in the postseason with an average of 3.40 goals per game. However, the team’s defensive struggles have offset this strength, as they allow 3.60 goals against per game—ranked fourth-worst in the playoffs. This balance has created a precarious situation for Hart, who must rely on his goaltending to compensate for the team’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Golden Knights’ reliance on their offense has been evident in recent games, with Hart benefiting from high-scoring victories. In their last two wins, the team scored five goals each time, but the Utah Mammoth limited them to just two goals in the previous two contests.#utah_mammoth #stanley_cup_playoffs #john_tortorella #carter_hart #golden_knights
John Tortorella Backs Carter Hart as Vegas Seeks Playoff Advantage Vegas Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella reaffirmed his decision to start goaltender Carter Hart in the team’s first-round playoff series against the Utah Mammoth, despite a recent decline in Hart’s statistical performance. The 27-year-old netminder, who entered Game 6 of the series facing mounting pressure to stabilize the defense, remains the team’s primary starter as the Knights aim for their second Stanley Cup title. Tortorella’s confidence in Hart is rooted in their long-standing professional relationship, dating back to their time with the Philadelphia Flyers, and his belief in Hart’s mental toughness and ability to handle the high-stakes environment of the postseason. Hart’s performance during the playoffs has shown a marked contrast to his earlier form. Initially, he posted a strong .935 save percentage and a 2.56 goals-against average in the opening matches. However, newer data from hockey news outlets indicates a significant drop in his effectiveness, with Hart now ranking 16th among postseason goaltenders at a .888 save percentage and a 3.02 goals-against average. Despite these numbers, Tortorella dismissed concerns about Hart’s recent struggles, emphasizing that the goaltender’s ability to compartmentalize setbacks and prepare for each game is a defining trait of a professional in the league. “The most important position in the game is the goaltender,” Tortorella said, highlighting the unique psychological challenges of the role. “You’re kind of on an island out there, in a team sport. That’s who he is. I think Carter has the ability to put things away and get ready to play the next day.#utah_mammoth #vegas_golden_knights #john_tortorella #carter_hart #devan_dubnyk
