Golden Knights ‘Rallied Around Each Other’ After Losing McNabb

The Golden Knights never shy away from facing adversity, and they do so because of how close they are with each other. Coaches and players alike rave about the strength and resilience in the locker room, as well as the tight-knit bonds among the players.

“It’s just what we do as a team: we pick each other up,” said Kolesar. “I think we just wanted to rally around each other.”

As a result of McNabb’s ejection, Ben Hutton and Dylan Coghlan stepped into elevated roles in Game 5. Their importance will carry over into Game 6 as the Golden Knights look to play a potential series-clinching game without their long-time alternate captain.

“Losing Nabber, he’s one of the leaders, if not the leader, on the back end. It’s time for other players to step up,” said Rasmus Andersson following Game 5. “I thought Hutty and Cogs did an unbelievable job. They gave us really good minutes, and I thought they were as steady as it comes.

“That’s what we need in the playoffs,” finished Andersson. “We need people to step up when their opportunity is called.”

When asked, Keegan Kolesar said that, while the group continues to rally around each other, there is no emphasis on winning for McNabb.

“It’s not like he died, or anything,” he joked. “We wanted to rally around each other, not just him alone.”