For the most part, the Leafs dominated the entire game, so the 3-2 final score is not exactly indicative of a razor close game. It was a fast-paced, physical game and the Leafs certainly deserved the two points.
The game was, in large, very much under control. The officials had set the tone with an early 10-minute misconduct on Habs defenseman Chris Wideman for a first period dust up with Michael Bunting. However, there was a third period play that probably warranted a major penalty and a game misconduct.
During the 3rd frame, with the Leafs leading the game, the Habs were trying to ramp up the physicality. Leafs defender Mark Giordano went into the corner to retrieve and play the puck when Canadiens winger Josh Anderson came at him and delivered a blindside hit on Giordano, sending the veteran blueliner crashing into the boards face and shoulder first.
While Anderson didn't hit Giordano in the numbers, he definitely catches him in the back of the right shoulder, forcing the scary collision into the boards. Thankfully, Gio was able to quickly pop back to his feet and nothing came of the play.
The fact that the officials didn't think that it warranted even a 2-minute minor penalty for boarding is surprising. It will be interesting to see if the Department of Player Safety takes a look at it.
POLL | ||
10 AVRIL | 264 ANSWERS Giordano gets nailed with a blindside hit from Josh Anderson; is it suspension-worthy? Should Josh Anderson be suspended for boarding Mark Giordano in the third period on Saturday? | ||
Yes | 140 | 53 % |
No | 124 | 47 % |
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