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McNabb Exit After 87-mph Shot, Vegas Falls 4-3

6/6/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

McNabb Out

Brayden McNabb left Game 2 after a puck struck his face, causing Vegas to lose 4-3 to Carolina June 4, 2026.
He was hit by an 87.3 mph slap shot from Carolina Nikolaj Ehlers in the period, prompting John Tortorella to say he is home with no health update.
With McNabb out, Vegas played five defensemen, left Jeremy Lauzon on ice for Carolina goals, and may add Ben Hutton or Kaedan Korczak for Game 3.

Summary

McNabb Injury

An 87 mph slapshot slipped beneath defenseman Brayden McNabb’s visor and struck his forehead.
McNabb leads Golden Knights history with 1,417 blocked shots and 1,469 hits.
Fans flooded social media with prayers and messages calling the hit super painful.
Drafted 66th overall in 2009, McNabb debuted in 2011, played for the Kings, joined Vegas in 2017, and logged 33 playoff blocks plus 142 blocks in 63 regular-season games.

Summary

McNabb Hospitalized

Golden Knights keep injury details from opponents to avoid a strategic edge.
Dr. Harjas Grewal said McNabb may have a facial fracture and needs a full neurological evaluation.
NHL concussion protocols require comprehensive assessment for high-velocity facial impacts like the 87-mph shot.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported McNabb left the arena in flip-flops for immediate hospital evaluation as the team stayed silent Friday morning.

History

Historical Context

Bryan Berard’s March 2000 eye injury—caused by a Marián Hossa stick, resulting in a $6.5 million settlement—prompted the NHL’s 2002 concussion protocol and later visor mandates; by 2024, 94 % of players wear visors. The June 4 2026 fracture to Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb echoes that legacy, underscoring today’s heightened protective-equipment standards and ongoing player-safety reforms.

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McNabb Out

Brayden McNabb left Game 2 after a puck struck his face, causing Vegas to lose 4-3 to Carolina June 4, 2026.
He was hit by an 87.3 mph slap shot from Carolina Nikolaj Ehlers in the period, prompting John Tortorella to say he is home with no health update.
With McNabb out, Vegas played five defensemen, left Jeremy Lauzon on ice for Carolina goals, and may add Ben Hutton or Kaedan Korczak for Game 3.

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