Max Pacioretty was slotted into Reilly Smith’s usual spot on the Golden Knights’ top forward line for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Rangers.
He’s expected to stay there for at least the next two games.
Smith was listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, but was placed on injured reserve shortly before the puck dropped at T-Mobile Arena.
He was injured Sunday and likely will miss Thursday’s home game against San Jose and Saturday’s game at Chicago, though the team has given no indication of the extent of his absence beyond this weekend.
Coach Gerard Gallant downplayed the significance of Pacioretty’s placement on the first line.