Vegas await Brayden McNabb injury update ahead of Stanley Cup Game 3

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden McNabb is a major doubt for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final after taking a puck to the face during an overtime defeat by the Carolina Hurricanes.

The veteran blue-liner was struck around the visor by an 87mph shot from Nik Ehlers during Game 2, forcing him to drop to the ice.

He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for evaluation as Carolina secured a 4-3 victory to level the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

Tortorella tight-lipped on fitness

Vegas head coach John Tortorella refused to provide a medical update on his player ahead of the crucial third encounter.

Shea Theodore, who normally partners the injured defenceman, confirmed he saw his team-mate at the practice facility on Saturday morning but declined to elaborate on his condition.

“All year, we’ve battled. We’ve had guys come out, we’ve had guys come in,” said Theodore.

“We have guys that are capable of doing it and it’s just a matter of that now is the time.”

Korczak poised to step in

Should the Knights be forced into a change, Kaedan Korczak appears the most likely candidate to enter the lineup.

The 6ft 3in reserve skated briefly before leaving the ice early during practice, heavily hinting at a potential promotion.

Korczak has made 12 postseason appearances for Vegas this year, most recently featuring in the Western Conference Finals against the Colorado Avalanche.

Alternatively, a defensive reshuffle could see Dylan Coghlan reunited with Theodore on the back end.

That specific pairing has proven impenetrable during the current playoffs, successfully keeping opponents off the scoreboard during their 37 minutes of shared ice time.

“He’s a pretty amazing player,” said Coghlan of Theodore.

“I think anybody that goes in there would play well with him.”