The fireworks were popping off early, as Jake McCabe drilled Jake DeBrusk with a high cross-check early in the game. In response, Brad Marchand came in to have a chat with McCabe, but was met with a cross-check up high as well and was sent tumbling to the ice. Unfortunately for McCabe, the Department of Player Safety was watching and has announced some supplemental discipline for the veteran defenseman in the form of a $5,000 fine.
McCabe wasn't the only one slapped with a fine in this one, as Bruins forward Charlie Coyle was also docked $5,000 for his cross-check to the face of Leafs winger Tyler Bertuzzi.
Honestly, I'm not upset that Player Safety took action here, especially because it didn't cost anyone any games. I am a little shocked, though, that Brad Marchand was able to avoid any supplemental discipline for getting his shoulder and elbow up into the face of Matthew Knies, causing an injury. Marchand's hit on Knies was certainly worse than either the McCabe cross-check or the Coyle cross-check. I'm not surprised, though, that George Parros cut Marchand some slack, give the fact that the infraction took place against the Leafs, a team that Parros is quite obviously biased against.
POLL | ||
8 MARS | 687 ANSWERS Player Safety announces supplemental discipline for Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe Did Brad Marchand deserve a fine or a suspension for his hit on Matthew Knies? | ||
Yes, a fine | 255 | 37.1 % |
Yes, a suspension | 303 | 44.1 % |
No, it was accidental | 129 | 18.8 % |
I've got no opinion on the play | 0 | 0 % |
List of polls |