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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Original Vegas Golden Knights make an early impact in the Stanley Cup Final
William Karlsson, Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb are the only three players who have been around for all nine seasons of the franchise's existence and hoisted the Cup in 2023.
Head Coach John Tortorella addresses player returns from injury ahead of Game 2
Head Coach John Tortorella addresses player returns from injury ahead of Game 2
VGK rolling, eager to stretch streak to 8 in Game 2 of Stanley Cup Final
The Vegas Golden Knights have a chance to take a 2-0 lead Thursday with another win at Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final. Vegas took Game 1 on Tomas Hertl's late goal for a 5-4 win.
2026 Stanley Pup gameplay video, courtesy of NHL
