Connor McDavid with a dangerous hit from behind
Before the playoffs started the Edmonton Oilers let the league know that they believed Connor McDavid has been unfairly treated when it comes to physical play. Last playoffs, when the Oilers were swept in 4 games by the Winnipeg Jets, Connor McDavid did not draw a single penalty. That means the most dynamic offensive player in the league somehow was never hooked, tripped or held once in 4 games which seems impossible. But in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings, McDavid drew multiple penalties. In Game 2 McDavid may have gotten away with a dangerous hit.
Connor McDavid followed Kings' defenceman Mikey Anderson into the corner as he went to retrieve the puck. McDavid slowed down a little bit and hit Anderson from behind right into the boards.
In typical NHL fashion, McDavid was only assessed a penalty based on the damage but not the intent. McDavid only received a 2-minute minor for boarding. If Anderson didn't get up right away it probably would have been a major or misconduct. McDavid should be thanking the referees he only got two minutes.
The description of this hit very closely resembles the reasoning given by NHL Department of Player Safety on the Kyle Clifford suspension. It will be interesting to see if the NHL DoPS upholds their own standard set just 3-days ago.
| POLL | ||
Should this have been a major penalty? | ||
| Yes, if it's anyone but McDavid it is | 92 | 48.2 % |
| No, it's fine | 99 | 51.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
