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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Brayden McNabb's Stanley Cup Final status unclear after taking puck to the face
Coach John Tortorella had no update on McNabb on Friday other than to confirm the 35-year-old was traveling home with the team. Game 3 is Saturday in Las Vegas.
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Golden Knights' McNabb leaves game after taking a puck to the face
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb left Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final after taking a puck to the face.
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.