Hunt embracing chance to play regularly in back
A dinged-up Golden Knights defense means more playing time for Brad Hunt.
Theveteranisoneofsix healthy defenseman and will be in the lineup Saturday when the first-place Knights host the struggling Edmonton Oilers at 7 p.m. at T-MObile Arena.
“When I’m in the lineup, I’vejustgottoplaymygame and help the team be successful,” Hunt said Friday aftertheteam’slate-afternoon practice at City National Arena. “That’s what it’s all about.”
The five-day bye wasn’t enough time for defenseman Jon Merrill to heal from his undisclosed injury, and he remains on the injured-reserve list.
Merrill did not participate in either of the Knights’ two 30-minute practices that wereconductedinfrontofa standing room-only crowd.
Defenseman Luca Sbisa was placed on IR on Wednesday and will miss six to eight weeks after undergoing surgeryonhislefthand.
Hunt played in Sunday’s 2-1winoverthenewyork Rangers, his first appearance since Dec. 9 at Dallas. In 18 gamesthisseason,hunthas seven assists.
”We’re excited to give him another opportunity again,” coach Gerard Gallant said. “He’s played well, and we always talk about depth at theblueline,andnowwe’re getting tested a little bit.”
Hunt was alongside familiar partner Colin Miller at Friday’s practices and also saw time working with the Knights’ No. 2 power-play unit.
”He’salotoffuntoplay with,” Hunt said. “He makes it easy for me. We read off each other really well.”
Fun in the sun
Several Knights players used the bye to enjoy a quick getaway in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
A picture posted on Erik Haula’s verified Instagram account of the shirtless crew on a sailboat had almost 5,000 likes on Friday evening.
“It wasn’t like Cabo Spring Break 2018 or something like that because of the timing, but we had an unbelievable time,” forward Alex Tuch said.“we’reagroupofguys that came together and the chemistry started right away
on and off the ice. I think I have lifelong friends, honestly. Hopefully, I’ll be playing with those guys for a really long time.”
Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @ Davidschoenlvrj on Twitter.