Michael Bunting comments on physical altercation/shoving incident involving linesman Dan Kelly
Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting had himself a memorable game last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Not only did he score the game's first goal, he also had a somewhat unusual altercation with a referee.
At the end of the first period, Lightning forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare took a run at Mitch Marner. A scrum ensued, and of course, the pesky Bunting was involved. Bunting was escorted from the ice by linesman Dan Kelly. Once the two were standing by the exit gate, Kelly can be seen shoving Bunting, violently, multiple times, nearly causing Bunting to fall through the open gate. In case you did not see the clip, it is available for viewing below.
While some were critical of the linesman's actions after the game, Michael Bunting was not one of them. When asked about the situation, the Leafs forward downplayed the incident, saying emotions were high and that you move on from it.
With his goal last night, Bunting has 13 points in his last 12 games. After a slow start to the year, it certainly feels as though the Bunting from last season is back. And while he may be an annoyance to many on the ice, his post-game comments are that of a class act off the ice.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 221 ANSWERS Michael Bunting comments on physical altercation/shoving incident involving linesman Dan Kelly Should linesman Dan Kelly be suspended for pushing Bunting? | ||
| No | 19 | 8.6 % |
| No - but he should be warned | 95 | 43 % |
| Yes | 107 | 48.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
