Nicolas Hague Not At Golden Knights Practice, Alec Martinez Takes His Spot
Nicolas Hague was absent from the Vegas Golden Knights practice ahead of Game 2 against the Dallas Stars. Alec Martinez takes his spot paired with Zach Whitecloud.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports - Nicolas Hague Not At Golden Knights Practice, Alec Martinez Takes His SpotNicolas Hague was absent from the Vegas Golden Knights practice ahead of Game 2 against the Dallas Stars. Alec Martinez takes his spot paired with Zach Whitecloud.
Hague played 15:41 during Game 1, recording four hits and one shot on goal. In 73 games this season he scored two goals and 12 points.
The 25-year-old appeared to get hurt around the 12 minute mark of the third period. As of now the injury is undisclosed.
Martinez will make his playoff debut after playing in all 22 games for the Golden Knights in their playoff run last year. He scored four goals and 17 points in 55 games this season.
Hague and Martinez have contrasting styles of play. Martinez is five inches shorter than Hague and 30lbs lighter. Martinez is less physical but is a better skater. Hague does a great job of boxing out opponents in front of the Golden Knights net whereas Martinez does a better job at getting in shooting lanes and blocking shots.
The Golden Knights were put under a lot of pressure by the Stars in Game 1 and Martinez hasn't played in six days. He'll need to find his game speed very quickly but a veteran like Martinez can be trusted to do just that.
Besides Martinez filling in for Hague. The Golden Knights will run the same lineup they did during Game 1. Stars HC Pete DeBoer confirmed the Stars will go with the same lineup as well.
Puck drop is at 6:30 P.M. PST at the American Airlines Center.
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