Alex Pietrangelo is often manhandled at this time of year.

The veteran Vegas Golden Knights defenseman knows the hardships of a long run in the playoffs and its consequences.

The good news is that the players making up the Golden Knights’ defensive squad range in height from six-foot-one to six-foot-six, the kind of stature that has helped the Golden Knights come just one win away from conquest. of the Stanley Cup.

“Players are able to roll with the punches and resist a bit more physical play,” Pietrangelo said. “As a group we are able to handle it, but I think we are skating well enough to get through it. I think we have a good balance between size and speed. »

Pietrangelo is six-foot-three while his playing partner Alec Martinez concedes two inches. Nicolas Hague is six foot six, Zach Whitecloud and Shea Theodore are both six foot two, and Brayden McNabb is six foot three

None of them are dinosaurs from the hockey of yesteryear, capable of hitting but not doing much more than clearing the front of the net. They are always tough when needed.

“We’re capable of winning puck battles and we want to try and get the puck moving quickly in transition,” Hague said.

The Golden Knights didn’t just wear down their opponents. They’ve also been able to absorb the consequences that come with a long run in the playoffs, an important ingredient for winning.

In times like these, size matters.

“Throughout the playoffs, you’re going to have guys coming on the ice and going to complete their hits,” Hague recalled.

“It’s a pretty tough sport, and we’ll never be left out of it, but that won’t stop us from trying to do what we have to, because we can handle it. »