Alex Tuch gets experience at new position before postseason

The postseason almost certainly will present the Golden Knights with surprises, and coach Pete DeBoer wants to be ready for as many as possible.

That includes preparing a winger such as Alex Tuch to move to the middle in a pinch.

Tuch officially was listed as the third-line center for Saturday’s overtime victory at Arizona, giving him a game under his belt should an emergency arise at the position. He was back on the wing for Monday’s matchup at Minnesota.

Mattias Janmark previously auditioned for DeBoer playing center.

“For me, I think it’s just getting a book on guys heading into the playoffs on what they can potentially do without it being the first time we’ve seen it,” DeBoer said. “Alex Tuch playing center isn’t going to obviously be where we start or an optimal situation, but it’s nice to know if we get in a spot in the playoffs where we lose some centermen or we’re down some guys that he can go in there and play that and it’s not going to be the first time in two years that he’s done it.”

Tuch said the last time he played center was when he was 16 or 17 while playing with the U.S. National Team Development Program.

In 17:08 of ice time against the Coyotes on Saturday, Tuch was one of three players who failed to register a shot on goal, and he went 2-for-4 on faceoffs. His speed through the neutral zone was evident at times, though he often drifted to his more familiar right wing on the attack.

Defensively, Tuch was familiar with the responsibilities that come with the position.

“In all honesty, in this system it’s the first man back on the forecheck plays low,” Tuch said. “Obviously everyone has played that position at some point on this team. It wasn’t the biggest difference except going in for the first faceoff probably.”

Pacioretty out

Leading goal scorer Max Pacioretty missed Monday’s game at Minnesota with an undisclosed injury. Janmark skated in his spot on the first line.

Pacioretty did not play in the third period of Saturday’s 3-2 overtime victory at Arizona and was considered a game-time decision.

“Anybody that’s with us right now that’s healthy enough is an option to play,” DeBoer said when asked about Pacioretty’s status.

Forward Nicolas Roy returned to the lineup after missing the past three games.

Latino night

The Knights will host Latino Heritage Night on Friday when they take on St. Louis at T-Mobile Arena.

Players will wear custom jerseys during warmups that will be signed and auctioned off online. Warmup pucks and locker nameplates also will be available for purchase. Fans can visit LatinoHeritage.givesmart.com or text “LatinoHeritage” to 76278 to participate.

Proceeds will benefit the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, and a portion will go toward a local scholarship through the Latin Chamber of Commerce.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Follow @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.