Golden Knights’ coach Bruce Cassidy hits out at Alex Pietrangelo as defenseman’s rough penalty leads to Stars winning goal in Game 5

Golden Knights will head into Game 6 on the back of three consecutive defeats.

Golden Knights’ coach Bruce Cassidy hits out at Alex Pietrangelo as defenseman’s rough penalty leads to Stars winning goal in Game 5

Bruce Cassidy (L) and Alex Pietrangelo (R) [Image via Imago]

Bruce Cassidy, the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights did not seem pleased with the actions of his defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo. After the defenseman’s costly penalty led to the Dallas Stars’ winning goal, Cassidy hit out at him and claimed, “veteran guys should know better“.

The 34-year-old defenseman has been known for his strong hits on the ice field. In this first-round series against the Stars, he has been involved in some rough plays. However, his actions in Game 5 turned out to be costly for his team.

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During the second period of the game, Pietrangelo would land a right elbow hit on Tyler Seguin. He would end up catching the face of the Stars’ player which resulted in him being assessed with a five-minute major penalty. However, it was soon reduced to a two-minute minor after a successful review.

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This call though opened up doors for the Dallas Stars. On a powerplay situation, Jason Robertson would tuck away the puck into the back of the net to give his side a 3-2 lead. This turned out to be decisive as the Stars held on to the lead for the win.

When asked about this in the post-game conference, Cassidy said that he (Pietrangelo) as a veteran should have now better and had to find a way to channel his frustrations regarding an earlier play. Seguin had previously landed a hit on Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Veteran guys should know better. We didn't like the hit on Theodore by Seguin. Quite obviously left his feet, targeted the head. So, you're going to be upset, but that's playoff hockey. You've got to find a way to channel it...We should know better.
Bruce Cassidy said in the press conference.

Golden Knights on verge of elimination following Game 5 loss

After racing to a 2-0 series lead along with the return of captain Mark Stone, everything seemed going as per planned for the Vegas Golden Knights. However, three consecutive defeats have now put the defending champions on the verge of elimination.

Goals from Stone and William Carrier had given the Knights a 2-1 lead in Game 5. However, the Stars fought back and claimed a crucial win on Wednesday. Despite this huge defeat, coach Bruce Cassidy is confident about a positive result in the next game.

Bruce Cassidy
Bruce Cassidy (Image via FanSided)

Cassidy would explain how they got to change their tactics a bit and manage the puck better. He would later claim that there is a lot of “resolve” among the dressing room and point out that they needed a home win.

We’re the defending Stanley Cup champions. There’s lots of resolve in that room, lots of winners in that room, lot of pride in that room. We have to go home and win one game at home in the playoffs. That’s something we’re certainly capable of.
Bruce Cassidy continued in his press conference.

The pressure will certainly be on the Knights in Game 6 on Friday night. If they win and level the series, Game 7 will be played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday where the winner from this first-round series will go on to face the Colorado Avalanche, who knocked the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 despite losing the first game of the series.

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