John Tortorella Calms Cole Smith Injury Concern After Game 3

Cole Smith appeared injured in Game 3. John Tortorella said there is no concern about cole smith after the Golden Knights’ 5-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche. That leaves one win between the Knights and the next round with Smith still in the picture.

Tortorella on Cole Smith

Tortorella’s line after the game was direct: “there's no concern about Cole Smith.” That answer ended the immediate worry that followed the injury scare in Game 3.

The update matters because Smith has been part of the Golden Knights’ physical edge. He led the team in penalty minutes with 20 and delivered 63 hits this postseason.

Smith’s playoff role

Smith also showed scoring touch earlier against the Utah Mammoth, opening the postseason with two goals and two assists. He had not scored since Game 6 of that series, but his value has not been limited to the scoresheet.

Fans who first wondered whether the injured player was Reilly Smith got a quick answer once the concern shifted to Cole. The distinction mattered because the player involved is one of the team’s heavier bodies, the kind of skater who finishes checks and kills penalties while the Golden Knights push toward the next round.

The Knights were one win away, so Smith’s status stays tied to a team that can close out the series without losing one of its more physical forwards. Game 3 changed the tone briefly; Tortorella’s comment changed it back.