LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb started for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, just two days after taking a slap shot to the face.
McNabb left Game 2 in the first period after an 87 mph slap shot from Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers struck him. He quickly left the ice, holding his nose, and was reportedly taken to an area hospital.
Until just before puck drop on Saturday, it was unclear if McNabb would play, but he took the ice in a full face cage, to massive applause from the crowd at T-Mobile Arena.
McNabb, an Original Misfit who played on the Golden Knights' inaugural team in 2017, has appeared in 17 postseason games for Vegas in 2026, recording one goal and six assists.
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VGK among greatest NHL expansion franchises even if they don't beat Hurricanes
Hockey historian Eric Zweig said Vegas is on the short list of top expansion franchises in NHL history, and another Stanley Cup should put the Golden Knights in the conversation as the best.
VGK's Brett Howden and Keegan Kolesar talk Game 4 preps for Stanley Cup Final
Golden Knights eye a 3-1 edge as a wild Stanley Cup Final heads to Game 4
Coach John Tortorella speaks on VGK's preps for Game 4 of Stanley Cup Finals
Golden Knights eye a 3-1 edge as a wild Stanley Cup Final heads to Game 4
Golden Knights eye a 3-1 edge as a wild Stanley Cup Final heads to Game 4
In a Stanley Cup Final filled with more twists and turns than a roller coaster, it's difficult to imagine what more could be in store when the Carolina Hurricanes visit the Golden Knights for Game 4.