New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has avoided a suspension for cross-checking Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Jan Rutta but will have to pay a $5,000 fine. That is the maximum allowable fine under the CBA. Barzal was given a penalty and a game misconduct at the end of the second period for the incident but will be able to re-join his team for the next game.
The Department of Player Safety obviously did not believe the cross-check rose to the level of a suspension, meaning the Islanders won’t be without their top forward for game six when they face elimination. Without Barzal, the team’s most dangerous offensive weapon, New York looked completely unable to mount any comeback against the Lightning. The game ended 8-0 in favor of Tampa Bay, while Matt Martin and Scott Mayfield were also given game misconducts late in the third period.
The Islanders now face elimination for the first time this postseason after eliminating the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins in six games. Tampa Bay has outscored them 17-8 so far, suggesting that Barzal and company will need a much better defensive effort if they’re to stay alive tomorrow night.
Totally BS. Should have gotten 1-2 games
I disagree. That isn’t worthy of a suspension, especially in the playoffs.
Totally agree! The whole process is unpredictable and not uniformed. The hiring of ex players as the one who decides the suspension leads into prejudice for and against certain players and teams. Years ago when Stephan Quital was in position and a case came up against a Rangers player ( a team he had played for and had a bad relationship with them) he came out with a harsh suspension saying words to effect it was payback. It needs to be cut and dry. A player gets a game match penalty auto suspension, just as it is in soccer. 2 yellow cards or 1 red card automatic 1 game suspension.
Rediculous. Bad enough the refereeing in the playoffs is horrible, now we have to deal with this? Come on Gary Betteman, get it together!
Tell us more on how hockey should be more like soccer.
“That seems fair to us.”
Signed,
Mark Scheifele & Naz Kadri (Friends of “The League”)
if this was Kadri or Wilson people would be screaming for 5-10 games. Even though Barzal doesn’t have the history those 2 have he should at least get a game.
Barzal also got nothing for his cross check to Lazar of Boston in round two, and that was worse then this incident.
Rutta although he did get hit high, played the dead bird version Tampa has all their players playing for the last 4-4 years.
Anything high on shoulders and Tampa player hits the ice like he’s dead!!!
And 99% of time their back next shift.
Barzal will get his due next season, when he least expects it. Perhaps he will be out 4-6 weeks with a concussion. Isles are a dirty team and big babies. Lights out, tomorrow for them and their Coli.
Good decision, as the replay was inconclusive whether Barzal hit him with his stick or glove
So it doesn’t warrant a one game like Buchnevich on Martha same action but just a fine .it’s because they can’t suspend him when it’s the isles last game maybe..the whole NHL is bucked up..
What’s done is done. What we should be concerned about is how uneven the officiating has been in this years playoffs. I’ve never seen it this bad.