Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart was pulled from Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild after allowing five goals on just 12 shots and the moment quickly drew strong reactions from fans across the NHL.
Hart was taken out early in the second period as the Golden Knights fell behind by five goals. Akira Schmid replaced him and then stopped every shot he faced. Despite a putback later in the game, the opening hole was too deep and the Golden Knights lost 5-2.
But the online reaction went far beyond the score. Within minutes of Hart leaving the game, social media platform X was filled with sharp comments linking his poor performance. to his office past.
“File this under: things you love to watch,” one fan wrote, attaching a text card that read, “It’s called KARMA and it’s pronounced ‘haha, fuck you.'”
“Send him to the ECHL or hell.” a user commented.
“PUCK NEVER LIES,” another fan wrote.
Fans are also watching Vegas’ roster decision. Some pointed to Hart’s professional struggles even before his legal troubles.
“Even with the controversy, did people really expect him to be impressive? He lost his starting job before charges were filed.” one user wrote.
“I’m not sure why they brought Hart in. Akira was doing pretty well before Hart showed up.” another comment read.
Hart’s return to the NHL has been controversial due to his connection to the 2018 Hockey Canada World Juniors sexual assault case. In early 2024, Hart was charged along with several other former players in connection with an alleged incident that occurred after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario.
Hart was later acquitted, meaning the court ruled there was not enough evidence to convict him. From a legal point of view, he was acquitted and allowed to resume his professional career.
Five Minnesota players scored against Carter Hart that night
He Wild Minnesota He wasted no time getting on the board Monday night, opening the scoring 26 seconds into the first half. Marcus Johansson scored first beating Carter Hart early to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.
The Wild continued to press and doubled their lead later in the period, when Matt Boldy converted a scoring opportunity to make it 2-0 heading into the first intermission.
Vegas’ problems deepened at the beginning of the second half. With just 26 seconds left in the frame, Jared Spurgeon scored to push the Wild lead to 3-0. Minnesota continued to advance and a few minutes later Brock Faber added another goal, extending the lead to 4-0.
The pressure didn’t stop there, as Joel Eriksson Ek scored again soon after, making it 5-0 and ending Carter Hart’s night in goal.
Vegas finally responded late in the second period when defenseman Brayden McNabb scored to put the Golden Knights on the board. In the third period, captain Mark Stone added another goal to cut the deficit to 5-2, but Minnesota kept its composure and closed out the game without allowing another goal.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno.
