LAS VEGAS -- If Golden Knights backup goaltender Akira Schmid were a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball, he would do just find following an opener.
For the second time this season, Schmid was brilliant in relief, as he stopped 23 of the 24 shots he faced after replacing Adin Hill, who left Monday's game midway through the first period with an apparent leg injury.
The Golden Knights ( 5-0-2) got goals from Jack Eichel, Pavel Dorofeyev, Ivan Barbashev and William Karlsson en route to a 4-1 victory over previously unbeaten Carolina (5-1-0).
In Schmid's two starts, he's allowed eight goals. The two times Schmid's replaced Hill, he's allowed just one goal.
"It's hard and easy at the same time," Schmid said about getting thrown into a game in relief. "You just jump in there, you don't really overthink it too much like you might do when you're starting. So, yeah, you just kind of play and see how it goes.
"I always like going in. Last season or a couple years before that, I always felt comfortable going into games, just because I don't overthink it. ... If I have to go in, have to be ready and mentally sharp. But I usually worry about that once I actually have to go in."
The Golden Knights have four days off before opening a three-game road trip at two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida on Saturday.
They'll do so without captain Mark Stone, who was placed on IR before the game.
Coach Bruce Cassidy wouldn't speculate whether or not Hill would be ready to make the trip. It's also uncertain whether or not forward Brett Howden or defenseman Noah Hanifin will return.
Hill was tended to on the ice by trainer Kyle Moore before being helped to the bench by teammate Zach Whitecloud and William Karlsson. He slowly made his way down the tunnel to the locker room. Cassidy said more imaging needed to be done before discussing his goaltender situation.
"I'll be able to give you a lot better, clearer picture Thursday," Cassidy said of Hill. "That's about all I can say right now."
If Hill isn't able to travel, and the Knights bring AHL goalie Carl Lindbom with them on the three-game junket, Schmid said he is confident he can step into the No. 1 role.
"Worked hard this summer, worked hard in camp., feel confident," Schmid said. "The group feels confident as a whole, so I don't really think it matters who's in net with the team we have."
Having the league's No. 1 point scorer on his side certainly helps, as Eichel increased his league-leading tally to 16 points.
Three of the top five scorers in the league are from Vegas, with Stone three points shy of Eichel in second and Mitch Marner tied for fifth with 10 points. Not to mention Dorofeyev is tied with two others for the league lead with seven goals.
Vegas' offensive firepower, Schmid added, boosts his confidence.
"Just the way they play, you know," Scmid said. "It starts in the locker room by lifting you up, making sure they're here for you, and they got your back. And then obviously, just how they play.
"I don't think we gave up a lot of great chances. And if we did, they still did their job with sticks and stuff like that, so I can focus on making it safe."