Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Big Chance, GM Carousel Spinning

The Vegas Golden Knights have a big chance Tuesday when they face the Dallas Stars. Another Golden Knights win means a nearly insurmountable 3-0 series lead and a Stanley Cup Final on the cusp. Elsewhere in the Daily, the Pittsburgh Penguins courtship of Kyle Dubas begins, and the GM carousel is spinning. The Florida Panthers took a 3-0 lead in the ECF and NHL trade rumors around some big names in Washington and Edmonton.

Dallas should be shaking their head. The Golden Knights have alternated good and bad performances too often in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the Stars wasted their chance to grab a win against a bad performance.

Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange uttered a wonderful line when the 1991 Penguins advanced to the Stanley Cup Final, “You can spit-shine your shoes because we’re going dancing with Lord Stanley.”

I’ve been telling you for a few weeks. Have your gowns and tuxedos ready. It was obvious from the first moment I arrived in Las Vegas. The Golden Knights have “it.”

Vegas Golden Knights / Stanley Cup Playoffs

This 6-foot-5 secret weapon has changed the Golden Knights’ playoff fortunes.

Later today, we’ll have the VGK pregame and, of course, FULL coverage tonight.

Florida Hockey Now: I thought Carolina had this series and was going to be the tough out in the Eastern Conference, but … the Florida Panthers won a tense Game 3, 1-0.

It’s a 3-0 series lead. Sergei Bobrovsky has FLA on the cusp of the Stanley Cup Final.

Potentially some bad news in Game 3, Sasha Barkov was injured in the first period.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

LA Hockey Now: Colleague Austin Stanovich puts La La Land under the microscope. Do the LA Kings have what it takes?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins asked and received permission. The GM carousel turns as the team is set to speak with Kyle Dubas.

Washington Hockey Now: Evgeny Kuznetsov has been on the NHL trade block. He wants out, and they’re tired of him, but Jared Serre connects the Capitals to a nifty replacement — Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele could be the Washington Capitals’ answer.

Colorado Hockey Now: Evan Rodrigues is becoming an underrated hero. His contract is up. Evan Rawal checks the numbers — what E-Rod is worth. Colorado Avalanche UFAs.

Philly Hockey Now: They need stars and defense. The State of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Montreal Hockey Now: At the NHL trade deadline, Montreal kept one more salary retention slot open. Here’s how that opens the possibility for another Montreal Canadiens trade.

Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins need a center. The Edmonton Oilers need defensemen. The teams do lineup for a little blockbuster deal. Bruins trade chatter.