Golden Knights Face Bruins as Karlsson Eyes Return to Action

LAS VEGAS, March 20, 2025 — The Vegas Golden Knights are set to face the Boston Bruins tonight at T-Mobile Arena, marking a pivotal moment as center William Karlsson could make his return from injury. After a 20-game absence due to a lower-body injury, which sidelined him since January 20, Karlsson has resumed skating with teammates and is a game-time decision.

Head Coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Karlsson skated on the third line during practice alongside Nicolas Roy and Reilly Smith. “It’s always better to get some team practices in rather than skate by yourself,” Karlsson said, expressing optimism for the upcoming game. His return could provide a significant boost to a lineup that has struggled in recent outings.

The Golden Knights, who are currently 39-20-8, come off a disappointing four-game road trip where they managed only four of eight possible points, culminating in a loss against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. With three games in four days starting against the Bruins, maintaining team morale and performance will be crucial.

Smith, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins shortly after the Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup victory, reflected on the prospect of reuniting with Karlsson. “It’s great to get some practice time with him again. I’m excited,” he said. The two players share a strong rapport, having been key contributors to the Knights’ past successes.

Tonight’s showdown is particularly significant, with both teams vying for crucial points as the playoffs approach. The Knights edged the Bruins in their previous matchup, winning 4-3 at TD Garden on February 8. This rematch will not only reignite competition but will also provide the Knights a chance to prove themselves amidst their recent struggles.

As for the Bruins, they come in with a record of 30-30-9 after a tough overtime loss to the Sabres earlier this week. Their projected lineup includes notable players like David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman, who is likely to start in goal.

The Golden Knights’ projected lineup for tonight’s game includes Ivan Barbashev, Jack Eichel, and Mark Stone on the first line, while Remain Smith could reunite with Karlsson, assuming he plays. Adin Hill is slated to start in goal, adding another layer of importance to the game. “He’s always going to be an excellent 200-foot player,” Cassidy remarked about the potential impact of Karlsson’s return.

Fans will be hoping for a thrilling matchup as both teams work to solidify their playoff positions. The game begins at 10 p.m. ET with an array of coverage available through local networks and streaming platforms.