The Vegas Golden Knights have made multiple changes to the lineup tonight bringing in Ben Hutton and Pavel Dorofeyev.

The Vegas Golden Knights have made multiple changes to the lineup tonight bringing in Ben Hutton and Pavel Dorofeyev.

Dorofeyev and Hutton haven't played since the final game of the regular season on Apr. 18. This season Dorofeyev played in 47 games scoring 13 goals and 24 points. Hutton played in 41 games scoring two goals and 10 points. Dorofeyev will be making his playoff debut and Hutton will play in his third career playoff game. 

After two consecutive home losses, HC Bruce Cassidy felt it was time to make changes. He wants the additions to bring juice and energy into the lineup and that's what Hutton is planning on doing.

"Everyone knows playoff hockey is just another level. The intensity is going to be high. I've been itching to get in and I think I'm going to bring some of that myself," said Hutton. "We’re excited to get into the lineup and bring some energy for the guys. Playoff hockey is a different breed. It’s all the little small things, the 50-50’s and the battles. Everyone’s fighting for every inch out there".

Besides the energy the 31-year-old defenseman can provide, he thinks he can pair nicely with Hanifin. Cassidy described Hanifin as "assertive". The two will be paired because Hutton can be more "predictable" for him. He'll allow Hanifin to play his game while being defensively responsible and moving the puck efficiently. 

Dorofeyev's insertion into the lineup is for a similar reason to Hutton's. Dorofeyev will play on the left wing with Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone.

"I thought that line was pretty good for us back in January," said Cassidy. "When they got started, Pav got hurt up in New York and then Stone got hurt so they never really got back together. I think he compliments that line well and I’m trying to get Stephenson and Stone going. Mark’s been through a serious ordeal so his linemates need to pull him into it a little bit until he gets his legs under him".

The 23-year-old has a lethal shot and he's playing with two great playmakers. If he can put himself in good shooting areas, his linemates will be able to find him but what Dorofeyev needs to do well tonight is hunt the puck. He's listed at 6'1 and 194 lbs, he needs to use his big frame on the forecheck. The Stars' defensemen have played four games already and are likely not looking forward to the contact they face each time the puck is dumped into their corner. 

Michael Amadio made his series debut in Game 4 and made an immediate impact scoring the game's opening goal. Hutton and Dorofeyev would like to impact the game on a similar level. 

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