Despite Carter Hart's recent struggles in goal, Vegas Golden Knights coach John Tortorella has reaffirmed his confidence in the goalie ahead of a pivotal Game 6 in the Stanley Cup Final.

Hart made NHL history by becoming the first goalie to allow four or more goals in five straight Stanley Cup Final games. Despite his recent struggles, speaking at a pre-game press conference on Sunday, Tortorella backed him and showed his support.

"Because I know him," Tortorella said. "I know there's a better game in him. I've seen it throughout the playoffs. I think he's a very good goalie. We've got to do a better job around him, too. You can look at the numbers, and you guys [the media]—that's what you do. You spit out those numbers, but I've got to look at things differently and watch what the play is going on around him and what type of goals are being scored."

Not only this time, but Tortorella had also backed Hart despite his struggles in the 4-2 loss in Game 5. Following the latest disappointing performance from Hart, there has been debate about whether Tortorella will replace him for the upcoming Game 6. However, he shut down the speculation with his blunt response.

"That could be the stupidest question I've heard," he said.

The Stanley Cup Final is approaching its climax, with the Carolina Hurricanes holding a 3-2 series lead over Vegas. A victory on Sunday for Vegas would keep its championship hopes alive and force a decisive Game 7.

Tortorella Vows to Force a Game 7 in The Stanley Cup Finals

Despite his team's struggles on the ice, John Tortorella said that they would be able to push the series to Game 7. After the defeat in Game 5, he talked about his team's performance and reflected optimism for the upcoming game.

“We’ll be back here. I’m going to leave my clothes here, that’s for sure. In the hotel,” he said.

However, whatever the result may be, Tortorella had already made his decision on his coaching future. Ahead of Game 6, in an interview with Sportsnet, he talked about whether he would be coaching for the next season, but he clearly stated his stance.

"Everybody knows that I came on here and, end of June, I'm done, as far as with Vegas. And Kelly, and I made that agreement when we first talked", he said.

Tortorella was added to the team earlier this year, in March, after the team dismissed Bruce Cassidy. Under his guidance in the playoffs, Vegas has made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, which they started with a 5-4 win against the Hurricanes in Game 1.

But they lost Game 2 before bouncing back with a 5-4 overtime win in Game 3. After their back-to-back losses in the last two matchups, they are now focused on Game 6.

What do you think? Will Vegas win the Sunday game and push the series to Game 7? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Ankita Yadav