Daily Nuggets: Pietrangelo Accuses Oilers, Penguins GM Rumors

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo leveled a pretty stiff charge on the Edmonton Oilers. Saying some of their hits, legal and otherwise, have been premeditated. The Golden Knights can end the series in six with a win tonight at Rogers Place. Also in the Daily, the NHL trade rumors around Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, the “far-fetched” rumors getting louder in Pittsburgh about Kyle Dubas coming and Mike Sullivan going. The Eastern Conference Final is set and waiting, but the West will have at least one Game 7 as the Seattle Kraken stayed alive Saturday.

The Golden Knights series against the Oilers has featured some of the best about hockey, but officials have allowed the worst. It’s acceptable gamesmanship for Evander Kane not to leave the ice, drawing boos at the Fortress. It’s unacceptable for Kane to skate from the red line to cross-check Pietrangelo or Kailer Yamamoto to target Mark Stone with a cross-check to the lower back.

Yamamoto was not only not penalized, but the hit also sprung Edmonton for an important goal.

And of course, Pietrangelo’s two-handed chop on Leon Draisaitl. All of that is the nonsense that kills the game to casual fans and makes the NHL look like a bunch of low-rent goons who can’t manage the game.

Vegas Hockey Now:

Here’s the story and video. Pietrangelo called out the Oilers for “premeditated” hits, “it’s pretty obvious.” The full story before the Vegas Golden Knights shoved off for Edmonton.

Game 6 Starts at 7 p.m.

If you missed it, coach Bruce Cassidy likes the baby energy. Cassidy thinks he might call the boys in July to have a few more, “Let’s get to work, fellas!” Cassidy cracked up the Vegas Golden Knights presser.

NHL Trade Talk, Playoffs & National Hockey Now:

Florida Hockey Now: After years of playoff disappointment, Aaron Ekblad and Sasha Barkov are finally enjoying playoff success with the Florida Panthers.

Sportsnet: The Seattle Kraken forced Game 7 by beating the Dallas Stars in Game 6.

Metro Division:

Washington Hockey Now: Jared Serra drew circles around two most likely landing spots for Evgeny Kuznetsov, including a VGK rival. Kuznetsov is on the NHL trade block.

After the season, don’t be surprised if Kuznetsov is tied to the VGK, too.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Make it happen! Here’s why Kyle Dubas should be the next GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Philly Hockey Now: Here’s how Daniel Briere and Keith Jones got their jobs with the Philly Flyers.

Pacific Division:

Calgary Hockey Now: Stan Bowman’s name surfaced in connection with the Pittsburgh Penguins GM gig and the Flames. Steve Macfarlane writes the Calgary Flames should just say no.

San Jose Hockey Now: A mock draft roundup — who will the San Jose Sharks select at No. 4?

Central Division:

Chicago Hockey Now: Gone are Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. No reunions. Nate Brown writes that GM Kyle Davidson is wisely moving the Chicago Blackhawks forward.

Colorado Hockey Now: It was a low-key trade, but it paid dividends. What to make of Denis Malgin.

Nashville Hockey Now: Juuse Saros was snubbed for a Vezina nomination? GMs have some explaining to do after the Nashville Predators got robbed.

Atlantic Division:

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins went all-in with Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi but still blew a 3-1 series lead and lost to the Panthers in Round One. GM Don Sweeney said no regrets. However, the Boston Bruins’ summer of discontent is just beginning.

Montreal Hockey Now: Sources told MHN a few first-round prospects have caught the Montreal Canadiens‘ interest.

Buffalo Hockey Now: The Sabres’ playoff chances are growing. Despite not yet doing anything this offseason, their Atlantic Division rivals are showing cracks, which becomes an even greater opportunity for the young Buffalo Sabres.

Detroit: Tyler Bertuzzi probably isn’t coming home to the Detroit Red Wings.