Carter Hart latest chatter heats up in Vegas

The Golden Knights may finally get a boost in net as Carter Hart inches closer to a return following a lower-body injury that has sidelined him since early January.

Since Hart’s absence, the Golden Knights have leaned heavily on Adin Hill and Akira Schmid to handle the goaltending duties. Both have kept the team afloat, but the return of their experienced starter could provide a critical lift as the postseason looms.

Hart’s season has been a rough one statistically. In 12 starts, he’s posted career-low numbers, going 5-3-3 with a 3.28 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage. While those numbers are far from the elite standard Hart has set in past campaigns, the hope is that a return to action before the end of the regular season gives him a chance to regain rhythm and confidence heading into the playoffs.

In his latest 32 Thoughts column on Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman noted that “Vegas is notoriously private about injuries but there is expectation Carter Hart will return before the end of the regular season.”

On Friday, video caught Hart practicing with goalie coach Sean Burke and shooters at T-Mobile Arena.

The timing of Hart’s comeback couldn’t be more crucial, as the Golden Knights look to solidify their positioning in a tight playoff race.

Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely when Hart finally steps back between the pipes, eager to see if he can regain his top form and give Vegas a key advantage heading into the postseason.

Or to keep criticizing the controversial player who return to the NHL after he and four other members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team were acquitted of sexual assault charges. The charges stemmed from an alleged incident in a London, Ontario hotel room in June 2018, following a Hockey Canada Foundation Gala.