NHL Player Safety officially rules on Gage Goncalves' dirty hit on Dakota Mermis
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Mermis took a knee-on-knee hit from Gage Goncalves on Monday night, and he could end up missing a lot of time.
Last night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning devolved into absolute chaos. Numerous players were kicked out of the game while a fight broke out.
As we all know, McMann was ejected and later punished for slashing Lightning player Oliver Bjorkstrand across the head in what was a very misguided play.
Meanwhile, Lightning forward Gage Goncalves was ejected for a knee-on-knee hit on Dakota Mermis that could have led to a long-term injury.
This play has led to an outcry from Toronto Maple Leafs fans who believe Goncalves should be held accountable for this play.
After all, knee-on-knee hits are extremely dangerous, and they are the kind of play that the NHL has been trying to get rid of over the last few years.
NHL Player Safety passes on punishing Gage Goncalves
Well, the 5 PM deadline has come and gone, and nothing has happened to Goncalves. Instead, he is going to get off scot-free.
While this is going to be disappointing for Maple Leafs fans, it was an expected outcome. After all, it's not like Goncalves slashed someone in the head.
There has always been this feeling amongst Leafs fans that someone at the Department of Player Safety has it out for Toronto, and this is not going to help that narrative.
However, there is no point in dwelling on this any longer. The Leafs simply need to get over it and move on to the next game.
On Thursday, the Leafs will take on the San Jose Sharks and will have an opportunity to put themselves a few points closer to the Atlantic Division lead.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 9 | 726 ANSWERS NHL Player Safety officially rules on Gage Goncalves' dirty hit on Dakota Mermis Do you believe NHL Player Safety got the Gage Goncalves ruling right? | ||
| YES | 79 | 10.9 % |
| NO | 647 | 89.1 % |
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