The NHL has issued a $2,000 fine to Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen, citing two instances in which he broke Rule 64 for Diving/Embellishment this season. Fines will increase for Rantanen for any subsequent instances, and eventually include financial punishment to head coach Jared Bednar as well. The first incident, which garnered just a warning, was on October 16th against the New York Rangers, while the latest was during a November 14th game against the Boston Bruins.
Rantanen has been one of the league’s brightest stars this season and still leads the entire NHL in scoring with 32 points. His play alongside Nathan MacKinnon has been a revelation, and has the Avalanche poised to become one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams. Unfortunately with this history, he’ll now be watched even more closely by the officials and may not get the benefit of the doubt on close calls. He also could very well draw the ire of his coaching staff if he causes them to be fined, or costs his team with an ill-timed penalty.
First a fine for a trip and now embellishment? But on the major incidents suspensions get reduced or players get suspended for something that only warranted a fine. Parros needs to go
Almost like George is being overruled by others or does he not get it? Inquiring minds (sort-of) would like to know… If George has the final say, then he definitely doesn’t get it anymore, but if he’s being “out-voted”, those people need to get booted…
They’ve been fining guys for embellishment for years now…. and the suspension reduction, whether it was warranted or not, had nothing to do with Parros
Rantsnen must be a soccer fan.
And this is the European effect on hockey. Hockey was always a sport guys took a hit, came off for one shift for 28stitches and right back out there. Now we’re stuck with the ridiculous soccer style flopping and diving and acting like you’ve been shot by a cannon.