Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart was pulled from Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild after allowing five goals on just 12 shots and the moment quickly sparked strong reactions from fans across the NHL.
Hart was removed early in the second period as the Golden Knights fell behind by five goals. Akira Schmid replaced him and stopped every shot he faced afterwards. Despite a push back later in the game, the early hole was too deep and the Golden Knights went on to lose 5-2.
But the reaction online went far beyond the box score. Within minutes of Hart leaving the game, social media platform X filled with sharp comments tying his poor performance to his off-ice past.
“File this under: stuff you love to see,” wrote one fan attaching a text card reading: “It’s called KARMA, and it’s pronounced ‘haha f*** you’”
“Send him to the ECHL or hell,” commented one user.
“PUCK NEVER LIES,” wrote another fan.
Fans also questioned Vegas’ roster decision. Some pointed to Hart’s career struggles even before his legal issues.
“Even with the controversy, did people really expect him to be impressive? He lost his starter job before the charges were filed,” one user wrote.
“Not sure why they brought Hart in at all. Akira was doing pretty good before Hart showed up,” another comment read.
Hart’s NHL return has been controversial because of his connection to the 2018 Hockey Canada World Junior sexual assault case. In early 2024, Hart was charged alongside several other former players in relation to an alleged incident that occurred after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario.
Hart was later acquitted, meaning the court ruled there was not enough evidence to convict him. From a legal standpoint, he was cleared and allowed to resume his professional career.
Five Minnesota players scored against Carter Hart on the night
The Minnesota Wild wasted no time getting on the board on Monday night opening the scoring 26 seconds into the first period. Marcus Johansson struck first beating Carter Hart early to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.
The Wild continued to press and doubled their advantage later in the period when Matt Boldy finished a scoring chance to make it 2-0 heading into the first intermission.
Vegas’ problems deepened at the start of the second period. Just 26 seconds into the frame, Jared Spurgeon scored to push the Wild lead to 3-0. Minnesota kept coming and a few minutes later Brock Faber added another goal, extending the lead to 4-0.
The pressure didn’t stop there as Joel Eriksson Ek scored again shortly after, making it 5-0 and ending Carter Hart’s night in goal.
Vegas finally responded late in the second period when defenseman Brayden McNabb scored to put the Golden Knights on the board. In the third period, captain Mark Stone added another goal to cut the deficit to 5-2 but Minnesota stayed composed and closed out the game without allowing another goal.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
