- John Tortorella says William Karlsson is “not going to be with us, probably” for the rest of the Cup Final
- Karlsson got hurt in Game 5 and leaves Vegas a hole to fill up the middle
- Read below for what it means for Game 6 and who steps up
Vegas is going to face elimination without William Karlsson.
John Tortorella made that clear after Thursday’s 4-2 loss in Game 5, when he was asked about Karlsson’s status for the rest of the series.
“He’s a winner. But having said that, he’s not going to be with us, probably,” Tortorella said.
Hear from Tortorella and the Knights after Game 5:
Karlsson got hurt in the second period. He took a hit from Carolina’s Sean Walker behind the net, caught the glass with his arm, and skated straight down the tunnel.
Losing him stings on a few levels. He only just got back from a lower-body injury that needed surgery and cost him the first six games of this run.
Since returning, Karlsson locked into a line with Mitch Marner and Brett Howden that has been one of the best in the playoffs. The trio outscored opponents 11-3.
Karlsson did some damage himself, including this goal earlier in the Final:
Now Tortorella has to patch that hole for a must-win game. Tomas Hertl looks like the most likely fit to move up. The veteran has 14 points in 21 playoff games and would hand Vegas a heavier top six.
Brandon Saad could draw back in if Hertl slides up. Saad already filled in for Mark Stone earlier this spring.
Vegas trails 3-2 and hosts Game 6 on Sunday. A win sends the series back to Raleigh for Game 7. A loss hands Carolina the Cup.
Tortorella swears his team will be back in Carolina. He has to get there a center short.
