NHL Buzz: Pietrangelo likely out for Golden Knights tonight

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Vegas Golden Knights

Alex Pietrangelo likely won't return to the lineup Tuesday after the defenseman was removed from NHL COVID-19 protocol.
Pietrangelo took part in the morning skate prior to the game against the Anaheim Ducks (10 p.m. ET; SN360, SNE, SNO, SNP, ATTSN-RM, PRIME, FS-SD, NHL.TV). He had been unavailable since Jan. 28, when the first of three Golden Knights games were postponed because of COVID-19 issues.
"I don't believe he's an option for tonight," Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer said. "I think after tonight, he will be. It's just based on protocol. This isn't about letting him get up to speed. I think even at half speed we'd take him in the lineup if he's available."
After the game Tuesday, Vegas next hosts Anaheim on Thursday.
Pietrangelo has scored four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games this season and leads Vegas in ice time per game (25:37). -- Danny Webster

Edmonton Oilers

Zack Kassian is week to week with an upper-body injury.
The forward left in the first period of a 3-1 win against the Ottawa Senators on Monday. He fought Senators defenseman Erik Gudbranson at 1:43 and played a 31-second shift before leaving at 11:04.
Oilers coach Dave Tippett said Kassian, who has scored three points (one goal, two assists) in 13 games this season, is getting further evaluations.
Edmonton plays at Ottawa on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; TSN5, RDS, SNW, NHL.TV).

Ottawa Senators

Erik Brannstrom will be out 7-10 days with an undisclosed injury.
"He played through it for the game (3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Monday) and did a good job battling for us but after sleeping and getting up this morning, wasn't nearly as good," Senators coach D.J. Smith said. "We'll be cautious with him as we are with a lot of these younger guys."
The 21-year-old defenseman has one assist in three games this season.
Christian Wolanin will take Brannstrom's place in the lineup against the Oilers on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; TSN5, RDS, SNW, NHL.TV).