Alex Pietrangelo May Face 10 Game Suspension After Game Four in Florida

Alex Pietrangelo left the Penalty Box at the end of Game 4 after a fight ensued between Vegas and Florida players. Pietrangelo left the box, joining in the skirmish between the Golden Knights and Panthers players and fought with Matthew Tkachuk.

Some were quick to point out that Pietrangelo exiting the Penalty Box could be in violation of an NHL rule forbidding the allowing of players from exiting the box to get into an altercation.

Section 9, Rule 70:4,

However, rule 70:4 also states that this applies only if the opposing team of the penalized player is the aggressor, which would mean if Vegas was the aggressor, then Pietrangelo would not be penalized for a ten game suspension. However, it isn't clear from the video who started the fight between the two teams.

As well, the language of the rule is worded in a way that appears to deal with a fight in play, as opposed to end of game, in which it doesn't appear clear if the same standard applies when the game is finished, if the same rule is set.

It's highly unlikely to think Pietrangelo will get 10 games, seeing as the game had ended, and it's unclear who the aggressor is in the scramble, but it is still possible Pietrangelo faces a lesser punishment for his role in joining the ice for the fight, and will likely not be the only player faxing consequence.

Vegas defeated Florida 3-2 in Game 4, with Florida having attempted a chaotic goal scoring fight at the net before the end of the game, and right before the fight. Vegas now leads the Finals 3-1 with a potential cup win within their grasp in Game 5, but will Pietrangelo be there is the question.

Read More At Blade of Steel - Alex Pietrangelo could face a 10 game suspension depending on Department of Player Safety's rule interpretation