Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb returned to the ice for the third period of Game 2 of the Western Conference finals on May 23, 2026, after suffering an apparent right leg injury in the opening period.
The injury occurred when McNabb delivered a hit to Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski. Malinski's skate came up and caught McNabb in the leg.
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Television cameras captured McNabb limping toward the dressing room, unable to put weight on his right leg, according to ESPN.
The Golden Knights played with just five defensemen during the second period while McNabb was absent.
Before his exit, McNabb had averaged more than 21 minutes of ice time per game in the postseason, with one goal, two assists, and 19 penalty minutes in 12 playoff appearances.
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Upon his return at the start of the third period, McNabb helped the Golden Knights kill off two Colorado power plays.
The Avalanche held a 1-0 lead after two periods, following a first-period goal by Ross Colton.
Colorado defenseman Josh Manson also left the game temporarily during the second period. He went face-first into the boards during a check on Vegas forward Ivan Barbashev.
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Manson joined McNabb in returning for the start of the third period.
