Golden Knights Inability To Control Their Emotions Cost Them In Game 5

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The Vegas Golden Knights were unable to control their emotions in Game 5 and it proved costly when the Dallas Stars scored the game-winning goal on the power play.

With the game tied 2-2 in the second period, Tyler Seguin caught Shea Theodore with a hit to the head that the Golden Knights did not like. Seguin was initially given a five-minute major for an illegal check to the head but upon review, it was changed to a two-minute minor. The Golden Knights failed to convert on their power play opportunity.

Less than 10 minutes later, Alex Pietrangelo took exception to the hit. The puck was dumped into his corner with Seguin forechecking. After the puck had been moved, Pietrangelo swung his arm and connected with the Stars forward’s face. His forearm caught Seguin in the face and drew blood. Pietrangelo was also given a major but his penalty was reduced to a minor for roughing after it was reviewed.

With the power play opportunity, Jason Robertson scored to give the Stars the 3-2 lead. The Golden Knights still had a full third period to tie the game but were unable to beat Jake Oettinger and the Stars.

After the game, HC Bruce Cassidy voiced his displeasurement with Pietrangelo’s actions.

“A veteran guy should know better. We didn’t like the hit on Theodore by Seguin. You’re going to be upset. But that’s playoff hockey. You’ve got to find a way to channel it.”

In Game 4, Pietrangelo took another roughing penalty that led to a Stars power play goal. The 34-year-old has always played with his emotions on his sleeve and it’s helped him win two Stanley Cups but there are times when he goes too far.

In Game 4 last year in the second round against the Edmonton Oilers, Pietrangelo slashed Leon Draisaitl on the wrist and then went to fight Connor McDavid when the Golden Knights were trailing 4-1 late in the third. He was given a major penalty and was suspended for one game.

The Golden Knights chances of winning drastically improve with Pietrangelo on the ice and he needs to understand that and control his emotions. The hit on Theodore by Seguin deserved a response but taking an ill-advised penalty was not the way to do it.

Alec Martinez spoke about the team losing its focus in the second period.

“We let our emotions get the best of us in the second and we got away from our game. Too much panic from us.”

According to Danny Webster of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, a request to speak to Pietrangelo was made but because of time constraints, he was unable to.

The Golden Knights will need to sharpen their focus and dial in for Game 6 at home or their season will be over. The Stars have been flying and will look to step on the Golden Knights’ throat and end the series.

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