NHL's Department of Player Safety Slams the Hammer Down on Maple Leafs D Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson was handed supplemental discipline for his third period hit on Lightning forward Jake Guentzel on Monday.
Late in the second period of the Leafs' 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday night, Guentzel and Ekman-Larsson were engaged in a scrum along the boards in the Leafs' zone when the puck came loose. Guentzel didn't take too kindly to being roughed up by 'OEL' along the boards, turning around and throwing a punch to OEL's head which resulted in Guentzel getting two minutes for roughing.
Ekman-Larsson extracted some revenge for the earlier punch when he caught Guentzel in the neutral zone with a reverse hit that took him by surprise and knocked the wind out of him. Unfortunately, the 33-year-old blueliner was given two minutes for interference, which was the right call.
Apparently, the NHL's Department of Player Safety didn't feel as though the minor for interference was enough of a punishment as they once again showed their bias towards the Leafs, handing the free agent signing a $5000 fine, which is the maximum allowed under the CBA
The hit was certainly worth an interference penalty as Guentzel did not play the puck, but given the number of reverse hits that have been much worse and gone without even a penalty, the fine seems like an overreaction by Player Safety and almost appears to be biased against the Leafs once again.
The Leafs managed to kill off the penalty and ultimately won the game handily, in what may have been the best overall game they have played in a few seasons. The good news at least is that OEL won't miss Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets as the Leafs wrap up their back-to-back as part of ESPN's 'Frozen Frenzy'.
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