Pietrangelo’s Slash on Draisaitl: NHL Considers Suspension with Hearing Scheduled

In case you missed it last night, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights with a convincing 4-1 victory to even the second round Stanley Cup Playoff series.

However, things started to go a little awry in the closing seconds of the game.

To end the game, Vegas defenseman Alex Pietrangelo slashed Oilers star Leon Draisaitl viciously, setting off a small brawl. Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers confronts Pietrangelo after he enters full-on lumberjack mode. All hell breaks loose at that point.

Check it out:

Alex Pietrangelo gives Leon Draisaitl a two-handed slash after an empty net opportunity. pic.twitter.com/wziPdleLDx

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 11, 2023

Pietrangelo will have a hearing to go through potential additional punishment for the dirty play, NHL Player Safety has said.

Vegas’ Alex Pietrangelo will have a hearing today for Slashing against Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 11, 2023

“It’s as ‘intent to injure’ as you can get. You’d like to see that suspended. It’s not a hockey play,” said McDavid on the slash after the game. And you know what? I’m inclined to agree with him.

I’m all for physical hockey, especially in the playoffs, but a two-handed slash on a star player in the last moments of the game is some genuine chicken shit. Pietrangelo ought to be required to miss a game because that isn’t a hockey play.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!

@igorburdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

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