Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart dismisses Carolina fan chants
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart has dismissed hostile chants from Carolina Hurricanes fans as “just noise” as he prepares to start Game six of the Stanley Cup Final.
The netminder was acquitted of a sexual assault charge last summer following accusations related to a 2018 Hockey Canada event.
Fans in Raleigh repeatedly chanted “no means no!” during the first three home games of the championship series in reference to the trial.
Hart addressed the crowd’s behaviour for the first time following Saturday’s morning skate in Las Vegas.
Support remains despite struggling form
“It’s just noise. I mean, both atmospheres and both buildings have been really loud and just a lot of fun to play in,” Hart stated.
The former Philadelphia Flyers player has endured a historically difficult series on the ice, conceding four or more goals in all five games.
He currently holds a save percentage of just .856 against the Hurricanes.
Carolina currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 and can secure the Stanley Cup trophy with a victory on Sunday night.
Tortorella backs his goaltender
Despite mounting external pressure to bench the struggling player for backup Adin Hill, head coach John Tortorella offered an emphatic endorsement.
“I know him. I know there’s a better game in him. I’ve seen it throughout the playoffs,” Tortorella said.
The veteran coach previously managed the Canadian when both men were employed by the Flyers.
Tortorella insisted the team must do a better job defensively around their starter, urging observers to look beyond the underlying statistics.
Knights face elimination
The Golden Knights are fighting to keep their season alive and force a decisive seventh game.
Teammate Rasmus Andersson expressed complete confidence in their starting goalie ahead of the crucial matchup.
“At this point of the year you just don’t care about what the outside says, honestly,” the defenceman added.
Andersson noted that fixating on outside criticism or praise during an elimination game would simply cause a player to lose their focus.