The American Hockey League playoffs are well underway, and like the NHL playoffs, which have been exciting to watch, the chase for the Calder Cup has been no different whatsoever. If you need proof of this, take a look at game two of the Central Division finals between the Milwaukee Admirals and the Grand Rapids Griffins and what transpired.
Late in the second period, with the Griffins trailing 2-0, Admirals left winger Zach L'Heureux muscled past the defender and beat the Griffins defender as well as goaltender Sebastian Cossa while on a breakaway shorthanded. If that wasn't frustrating enough for the Griffins to experience, L'Heureux skated back towards Cossa after popping the twine, took his mouthguard from his mouth, and while standing in front of the Griffins goaltender, started giving him the business verbally. For his efforts, L'Heureux was immediately assessed a two-minute unsportsmanlike penalty and skated straight to the penalty box.
On the surface, it may appear that L'Heureux's actions were unnecessary, and they likely were; however, they were absolutely harmless. Whether you like it or not, he had a right to celebrate the goal as he saw fit, and seeing as he didn't hurt anyone physically, what harm did he inflict while outright mocking the goaltender?
The unsportsmanlike penalty is there for a reason, and although it's used effectively often, there are times it is assessed and a head scratcher. What do you think? Was the unsportsmanlike penalty necessary? Share your thoughts with us in the poll and comment as well.
