<i>Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (7) shoots against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of an NHL game at T-Mobile Arena on March 23, 2025. <b>Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</b></i> [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c4361c46-aa50-4912-9d8c-c5dfbf37f735.jpeg] <i>Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (7) shoots against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of an NHL game at T-Mobile Arena on March 23, 2025. <b>Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</b></i> LAS VEGAS -- Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said Saturday after morning skate that he is not concerned long-term with an injury that's kept Alex Pietrangelo out of the lineup. The veteran defenseman who has missed six of the last nine games, including the last two, will miss Saturday night's home finale against the Nashville Predators, as the Gold [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights]en Knights look to clinch the Pacific Division. Star forward Jack Eichel will also miss his third straight game. Despite their absences, the Golden Knights come into Saturday night winners of three of their last four (3-0-1) while riding a 9-2-1 win streak. "It's good to have depth, guys that can get in when you're injured, and that's how you end up in first place sometimes, when you have injuries, right?" Cassidy said. "You don't lose a beat because other guys are ready to go." Pietrangelo, who has missed only nine games all season, is a key part of the Knights' defensive pairings, who Cassidy hopes to have back in time for the playoffs, which start in one week. The 35-year-old is ninth on the team with 33 points, while his 29 assists are tied for fourth. Cassidy confirmed it is not the same issue that kept Pietrangelo from participating in the Four Nation's Face-Off two months ago. "If he was able to play, he would," Cassidy said. "Right now, he's dealing with something, and he's getting better. He's skating, but he's not ready to go in the lineup. "He's one of the, probably the most competitive guy in there. The Four Nations, I think he addressed that. There was some stuff that he had to take a little time off to be better for us. He came back in the lineup after that. Unfortunately, he's dealing with something different now that should be good to go. I just can't give you an exact date." Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking ne [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwiNvfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en]ws and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
