Martinez out of COVID protocol
Veteran defenseman hasn’t played since early November
Defenseman Alec Martinez was cleared from COVID-19 protocol and participated in the Golden Knights’ optional practice Tuesday at City National Arena.
Martinez hasn’t played since Nov. 11 when he suffered a severe facial laceration that required more than 50 stitches, according to coach Pete Deboer, and a head injury after being kicked by the skate of Minnesota’s Brandon Duhaime.
He was working his way back from that and was on the ice in a red, noncontact jersey Jan. 4 until he tested positive for COVID-19 and spent the full 10 days in protocol.
The Knights play Montreal on Thursday at T-mobile Arena, and it’s uncertain whether Martinez will be ready to play.
“(He) has lost essentially 10 days of conditioning, so we’ve got to start that process again,” Deboer said.
Goalie shortage
Laurent Brossoit remains sidelined with an upper-body injury, and there’s no timetable for his return.
The goalie was hurt Jan. 2 in a loss to Winnipeg and hasn’t practiced or played since, leaving Robin Lehner to shoulder the workload.
Brossoit is 8-3-1 with a 2.78 goals-against average and .900 save percentage.
“He’s going through medical opinions and appointments. I don’t have an update for you on that right now,” Deboer said. “Initially we were hoping it was really short term. We’re still hopeful of that, but he’s still getting opinions.”
Third-string goalie Logan Thompson entered COVID protocol after playing Saturday for the Silver Knights, leaving Dylan Ferguson as the backup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday.
Assistant coaches Steve Spott and Ryan Craig also are in COVID protocol, according to Deboer.
Golden Knights defenseman Alec Martinez defends a shot in front of goaltender Robin Lehner against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 20.
A few votes shy
Jonathan Marchessault wasn’t chosen for the NHL All-star Game next month, as the league announced the results of the Last Men In vote Tuesday.
Anaheim forward Troy Terry was selected by fans over Marchessault and the other candidates from the Pacific Division. Terry has 22 goals and 36 points in 38 games for the Ducks, who have been one of the biggest surprises of the first half.
Marchessault leads the Knights with 18 goals in 35 appearances.
The Knights will be represented by defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, winger Mark Stone and Deboer when they host All-star Weekend Feb. 4-5 at T-mobile Arena.