Knights return to ice without 5 players from Olympic final

LOS ANGELES — Five Vegas Golden Knights players who competed within the Olympic gold-medal recreation sat out Wednesday evening in opposition to the Los Angeles Kings within the NHL’s return from a three-week break.

Having already dominated out middle Jack Eichel and defenseman Noah Hanifin from the champion United States, the Golden Knights traveled without Canadian forwards Mark Stone and Mitch Marner and defenseman Shea Theodore.

“Well, it’s a challenge to the group, and it’s an opportunity for others, so we still got 20 NHL players in our lineup,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy mentioned. “Obviously, less room for error when you’re missing some real difference-makers.”

The United States beat Canada 2-1 in additional time in Milan on Sunday. Eichel, Stone and Marner are Vegas’ high three level producers, Theodore and Hanifin lead Vegas defensemen in ice time and factors.

Eichel and Hanifin will be a part of up with the Golden Knights in Washington and are anticipated to play in opposition to the Capitals on Friday evening. Cassidy expressed optimism Stone, Marner and Theodore will make the journey from Las Vegas to the East Coast and also will be accessible Friday.

Vegas does have reinforcements coming into the lineup with forwards Brandon Saad (undisclosed) and Colton Sissions (higher physique) and defenseman Brayden McNabb (higher physique) all having been activated off injured reserve Tuesday.

The Golden Knights have a four-point lead over the second-place (*5*) within the Pacific Division. Vegas will play 18 video games over the subsequent 35 days.