During Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, a tense moment unfolded as Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb was forced to exit the game on Thursday.
The incident occurred midway through the opening period of Vegas’ 4-3 defeat when McNabb was struck in the face by an 87 mph slap shot from Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers.
Immediately following the impact, the game came to a halt as players from both sides signaled the referees, urgently drawing attention to McNabb’s injury.
The 35-year-old defenseman quickly made his way to the locker room, covering his mouth and nose with his hand, and was subsequently taken to the hospital, according to an ESPN report.
In McNabb’s absence, Jeremy Lauzon stepped up to join Shea Theodore on the top defensive pairing for Las Vegas.
McNabb proved to be a difference maker during Game 1, having his first career three-assist effort to help the Golden Knights beat Carolina 5-4 on Tuesday.
He has 33 blocked shots in the playoffs after leading the Golden Knights with 142 blocks in 63 games during the regular season.
The veteran defenseman also ranks first in Golden Knights history in blocked shots (1,417) and hits (1,469).
With Las Vegas now just three wins away from a Stanley Cup, head coach John Tortorella said his team’s willingness to stick together was its greatest strength during the playoff run.
“I think that’s the biggest attribute I’ve seen with this team in the short time I’ve been with them is they stay together,” Tortorella said. “They don’t break apart and I think that gets you through some situations. We’re playing against a very good team.
“We’re going to have things happen to us tomorrow. But we’re going to have to stick together to try and find a way.”