Kelly Mccrimmon Says Golden Knights Appeal Denied After New York Hearing
kelly mccrimmon said the Golden Knights' appeal of NHL sanctions was denied Tuesday morning after a hearing in New York. The ruling keeps the discipline tied to the events following Game 6 in place as Vegas prepares for the Western Conference Final.
McCrimmon in New York
McCrimmon read a prepared statement before the pre-series press conference and said, "We were today in New York, where we had a hearing with the National Hockey League regarding the events following Game 6". He also said the league had spoken on the matter, and that neither he nor John would take any questions on it.
In the statement, McCrimmon said the club had missed "a great opportunity that night to connect with our fans and share with them the victory of a playoff series." He added, "We have no explanation other than to say we were wrong and to assure you that it will not happen again."
Sanctions after Game 6
The appeal denial leaves in place the punishment tied to the post-Series fallout. John Tortorella was fined $100,000 after keeping the locker room closed and refusing to speak to the media after eliminating Anaheim, and the club was docked a second-round draft pick after the events following Game 6.
That is the practical result for Vegas: the league penalty stands, and the club moves on without relief from the hearing. McCrimmon's statement put the responsibility on the team and on John, saying the comms staff had made other arrangements with the media but the organization still handled the night incorrectly.
Bruce Cassidy and Colorado
The hearing came as the Golden Knights remained in playoff mode. McCrimmon said several teams have sought permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy, who has one year left on his contract, and added, "We've been consistent that our focus currently is on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the teams have respected that."
He also said, "I've spoken with Bruce, he understands this as well." Earlier Tuesday, the NHL Coaches' Association said it would be unprecedented if multiple teams were denied permission to speak with Cassidy, and added that the situation was still unfolding.
Vegas now turns to the Western Conference Final against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on Wednesday, the fifth time in the franchise's nine seasons that the team has reached that round. The sanctions dispute is closed for now, but the coach search around Cassidy is still hanging over a club that has eight games remaining in the regular coaching timeline and is trying to keep its playoff run on track.
