The NHL has issued multiple ''sucker punch'' suspensions; so why not this time to Hall?
The National Hockey League continues its trend of inconsistency when it comes to dealing with players who cross the line. It's become a bit of a gameshow where the Department of Player Safety merely spins a wheel and lets chance decide what will await the offender.
In case you haven't guessed, I'm referring to the Department of Player Safety's decision to merely fine Taylor Hall for his sucker punch on Maple Leafs defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin - a play that resulted in Lyubushkin leaving the game and not returning.
Bruins fans have taken to social media to emphatically defend Hall's actions, despite the fact that what Hall did goes against the written letter of the NHL's rule book. What the winger did on Tuesday to Lyubushkin should have resulted in an automatic match penalty, but due to the incompetent officiating, here we are.
Some Bruins fans have brought up the fact that the Department of Player safety doesn't issue suspensions for a sucker punch. Hmm.. Very strange.
Another interesting one to note is that Hall's own teammate, Brad Marchand, was issued a 2-game suspension as a portion of his 6-game suspension from earlier this season when he punched and high-sticked Pens goaltender Tristan Jarry in early February.
We often talk about an anti-Leafs bias in the NHL when it comes to officiating and supplemental discipline. This incident doesn't exactly disprove that theory.
| POLL | ||
MARS 30 | 332 ANSWERS The NHL has issued multiple ''sucker punch'' suspensions; so why not this time to Hall? Is there an anti-Leafs bias with NHL officiating and supplemental discipline? | ||
| Yes | 289 | 87 % |
| No | 23 | 6.9 % |
| Show me the results | 20 | 6 % |
| List of polls | ||
