NHL Department of Player Safety Issues Ruling on Brad Marchand
Brad Marchand is one of those names that every hockey fan knows. He has certainly made himself a household name in the hockey world through his wacky and often dangerous antics. This time he didn't lick anyone's face though, rather he injured a promising young defenseman. The Department of Player Safety did not seem to think anything dirty happened though as the deadline to announce a hearing for the play passed at 5PM EST this evening.
Leafs Lose Top Defenseman
For the Leafs, this is more than just a dang it. Timothy Liljegren has developed into one of the team's better home-grown defenseman in recent years as he's proven to be more than just a capable defender at the NHL level. Now the team that is already thin on the blueline will have to replace him for an extended period of time.
Marchand Gets Away With One
Marchand, the player that injured Liljegren got no call on the play and no call from the league office either. Leafs fans pointed to the fact that he stuck his stick between Liljegren's legs as evidence that the play was dirty. This kind of move is often referred to as a 'can opener' and it is called very often as a minor penalty for tripping. The on-ice officials refused to even go that far with this play.
The league has seemingly taken a strong stance on player safety this season as they have already handed out two four-game suspensions for illegal checks to the head. Dirty trips along the boards are apparently okay though.
| POLL | ||
3 NOVEMBRE | 232 ANSWERS NHL Department of Player Safety Issues Ruling on Brad Marchand Do you agree with the DoPS decision on this case? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 33.6 % |
| No, should be fine | 42 | 18.1 % |
| No, should be suspension | 112 | 48.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
