Erik Gudbranson snaps after the referee refuses to eject Nick Cousins for dirty hit

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Josh tupper
December 10, 2023 (3:24 PM)

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Early in the third period of today's game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers, Nick Cousins threw an incredibly dirty hit on Erik Gudbranson. As Gudbranson goes back for a puck, Cousins delivers a hit directly to the numbers sending him hard into the boards. Gudbranson remains down for a second before quickly jumping up and going after Cousins, who immediately turtled.

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After initially calling this play a major, the referees eventually reviewed the play and reduced the penalty to a minor. The referees also gave Gudbranson on a minor on the play.

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With both men in the penalty box, Gudbranson made it clear. He was going to get Cousins. As the penalties expired Gudbranson wasted absolutely no time in snapping on Cousins.

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Gudbranson left Cousins shaken up and bleeding from the nose. Gudbranson was given a minor for instigating, a major for fighting and a game misconduct, while Blue Jackets head coach was also ejected.

This play could have been avoided if the referees had of made the correct call on the play or Nick Cousins didn't turtle.

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POLL
DECEMBRE 10 \| 702 ANSWERS Erik Gudbranson snaps after the referee refuses to eject Nick Cousins for dirty hit What caused this attack?
Gudbranson being unhinged	78	11.1 %
The refs not calling a major	356	50.7 %
Cousins turtling after the hit	55	7.8 %
All of the above	213	30.3 %
List of polls

Erik Gudbranson snaps after the referee refuses to eject Nick Cousins for dirty hit

What caused this attack?