The Vegas Golden Knights lost more than Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes. They lost a key player.
Golden Knights forward William Karlsson left the Thursday, June 11 game in the second period after absorbing a check from Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker along the boards.
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A trainer looked at Karlsson’s arm on the bench and Karlsson skated to the dressing room. He didn’t return and ABC reported that Karlsson left Lenovo Center to undergo further examination.
Golden Knights coach John Tortorella looked discouraged when the trainer came out to talk to him. He gave a discouraging postgame report on Karlsson’s status for the rest of the series.
William Karlsson injury update
Tortorella said he had no update on Karlsson but didn’t sound positive about the player’s status.
“He’s not going to be with us probably,” he said. “We’ve got to find a way to fill that void, not with just one guy but as a team.”
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Karlsson had two goals and two assists in the Final. He was limited to 14 games in the regular season, but his return late in the regular season was one of several factors that helped the Golden Knights clinch a playoff berth.
“He’s an important piece for us,” Tortorella said. “Penalty killer. Power play guy. He’s a winner.”
The Hurricanes lead the series 3-2 after the 4-2 victory and can clinch their first Stanley Cup title since 2006 on Sunday, June 14 in Game 6 at Las Vegas.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: William Karlsson leaves Game 5, ‘probably’ out for series
