The Las Vegas Golden Knights are still scheduled to play the Anaheim Ducks tonight after a player was removed from Tuesday’s game against the Ducks following a positive COVID-19 test.
The Knights removed Forward Thomas Nosek before the third period of Tuesday’s game upon receiving notification that he tested positive for COVID—making him the first player to be removed during a game.
“Immediately upon notification that one of its players had returned a positive test for COVID-19, Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Nosek was removed from Tuesday night’s game vs. Anaheim, in precise accordance with the terms of the League’s COVID protocol,” the NHL said in a statement Wednesday. “Nosek was immediately isolated from his teammates and close contact tracing was begun, also in accordance with the protocol.”
The Knights however defeated the Ducks that night at T-Mobile Arena 5-4, placing the team at 8-1-1 this season.
The team canceled its postgame media availability Tuesday, and also canceled its practice and media availability the following day as a result of the positive test.
The Knights have had three postponed matches this season and went without playing between Jan. 26-Feb.5 following Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and other members of the Knights’ coaching staff testing positive for COVID. So far, there have been 34 game postponements across the league this season.
Pietrangelo did skate with the Knights during their Tuesday Morning Skate, but was absent from their most recent game. Alex Pietrangelo’s status for the game is still questionable as the defenseman continues to observe COVID-19 protocols, according to the NHL.
The NHL announced both teams’ players and staff will undergo Rapid PCR Point of Care tests prior to the game in addition to their daily testing. If the game is postponed, officials from both teams, as well as the NHL and NHLPA will make an announcement before the game.
The game is scheduled to continue at this time at T-Mobile Arena, 7 p.m. PT.
