The 33-year-old fourth-line center was cross-checked in the face by Sharks forward Evander Kane at 3:25 of the third period of a 7-0 win in Game 1 on Thursday. Kane was given a major penalty for cross-checking and a game misconduct, and Friday was suspended one game by the NHL Department of Player Safety.
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"They made the right call on the ice," Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant said. "He'll be evaluated today, and we'll see what comes of it."
Game 2 of the best-of-7 series is at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; NBC, CBC, SN, TVAS).
Bellemare, who did not practice Friday, had 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 72 games during the regular season, but his penalty-killing skills and defensive ability against opponents' top lines make him valuable. He anchors the penalty kill, which finished 12th in the NHL during the regular season (81.4 percent) and is first in the playoffs (94.4 percent).
If Bellemare is unable to play, the Golden Knights have a variety of options to fill his place. Oscar Lindberg has familiarity with a fourth-line role and won 52.9 percent of face-offs this season. Tomas Tatar, acquired by Vegas in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 26, scored 20 goals this season and figures to provide added offense. Ryan Reaves is an option if Gallant decide he wants to add physicality to his lineup.
Gallant said he will know more after the morning skate Saturday.
"We'll see," he said. "When I find out what's going to happen, I'll decide tomorrow. He's a good player. He works hard, competes hard and plays the game the right way for us."
