The ugly and violent ending of Game 4 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights sparked another brawl. Alex Pietrangelo, a Knights defenseman, intentionally hurt Oilers Leon Draisaitl. Pietrangelo slashed his opponent’s wrist and broke his hockey stick. Pietrangelo was given a one-game suspension by the NHL for this action.
On Wednesday, the incident took place as the two teams faced off for the fourth consecutive time in the series of the second round. Pietrangelo lost control as the game was nearing its end. Draisaitl had a blank net to score in with only a minute remaining. The defenseman, frustrated by the result of the shot gave him a two-handed cut.
He was given a one-game ban for misconduct following this incident. The NHL has also banned Oilers’ Darnell Nurse for one game after he was found to have started a fight near the end with Nicolas Hague. Both teams will play Game 5 with these two players serving their suspension.
NHL Twitter rages after Alex Pietrangelo is suspended for one game
The Knights vs Oilers second round series has been a tense one. The emotions have been at an all-time peak as these two teams battle it out to secure their spot in the final 4. In Game 2, a similar brawl broke between the two teams. In the second game, the Knights who had won Game 1 were beaten. The heated argument between Brett Howden, Brett Kulak and other players quickly turned into a fight.
It is impossible to deny that Alex Pietrangelo’s actions against Leon Draisaitl was fair and just. He knew what he was getting into if he decided to take matters into his hands. Fans on Twitter were not happy with his one-game ban, as they had hoped for a more severe punishment. Here are some Twitter reactions.
The drama will likely increase as the series is now tied at 2-2. Pietrangelo’s past records are a major reason why he only received a one-game ban. It was the first time he had been fined or suspended in his 15-year career. Experts will debate whether he was lucky to have received a fine or suspension for the first time in his 15-year career.
