Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Grudge Match, Will Rivals Make Big Moves?

The Vegas Golden Knights have a shot at advancing to play for the Stanley Cup. However, standing in their way is an aggrieved former coach with a stout team who wants the same thing. The Western Conference Final schedule is up and go time begins Friday. Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was raw, emotional, and pointedly honest in his locker cleanout day press conference, which will spur plenty of NHL trade rumors, including some with the VGK rivals.

I’m glad I didn’t bet on Game 7 between Seattle and Dallas. I had a funny feeling Seattle would pull the upset and glass slipper their way into Las Vegas. It would have been nice for a Colorado vs. Golden Knights WCF, the battle of the Titans, but Dallas is worthy.

Let’s do that hockey…

Vegas Golden Knights:

Game 1 is Friday. Here’s the Western Conference Final schedule.

Analysis: The runway is clear. The jet is fueled. There are no better teams left. Is this the year the Stanley Cup comes to the Golden Knights?

Former VGK coach Pete DeBoer laughed but didn’t deny it. He’s facing the team that blindsided him last May. The revenge match in the steel cage – DeBoer vs. The Golden Knights.

San Jose Hockey Now: Here’s the view from SJ — they remember. What a difference a team makes for Adin Hill.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Colorado Hockey Now: With changes coming to the Maple Leafs, could the Golden Knights rivals benefit? Will William Nylander hit the NHL trade block, and could he wind up with the Colorado Avalanche?

Calgary Hockey Now: Could a Toronto assistant become the next Calgary Flames GM?

NY Post: Teams will make a play for Connor Hellebuyck, who figures to be a hot property on the NHL trade front. New Jersey? The Penguins? Who makes the leap?

Florida Hockey Now: In the other semi-final, the Panthers are the Cinderella, even if no one goes to the ball. A few years ago, the Florida Panthers dished a hefty contract to Sergei Bobrovsky, and it’s paying off.

Detroit Hockey Now: Remember this guy? The Red Wings need to make a few more changes — Will Steve Yzerman keep David Perron?

NYI Hockey Now: Where’s Lou Lamoriello? Where’s Lane Lambert? Neither the coach nor GM has spoken since the final game, and whether or not they choose to answer them, the New York Islanders face questions.

Sportsnet: GM Kyle Dubas was emotional. He snuffed out the Pittsburgh rumors but didn’t rule out stepping away. What will happen with the wunderkind GM?