After what Auston Matthews aptly called a “gong show” last night in the third period of the Toronto Maple Leafs-Winnipeg Jets game, several players are receiving supplementary discipline. Jason Spezza has been offered an in-person (via Zoom) hearing for kneeing Neal Pionk, opening him up to a suspension of more than five games. Spezza has accepted and will meet with the DoPS tomorrow. Pionk will also have a hearing (not an in-person one) for his knee on Rasmus Sandin, which started the festivities. Wayne Simmonds, who was involved in several altercations, has been fined $2,250 for his cross-check on Jansen Harkins.
Things kicked off with Pionk’s hit on Sandin, which went unpenalized by the on-ice officials. The Maple Leafs, incensed by the hit that took out their young defender–Sandin left the game immediately and did not return–had several responses, including Spezza’s targeted hit on Pionk while he was in a vulnerable position.
With the in-person hearing offered, Spezza could be facing a suspension of more than five games. That would open him up for an appeal process as well which would be presided over by a neutral arbitrator. Pionk meanwhile can only receive a maximum of five games, though that is unlikely given the precedent for dangerous kneeing incidents.
Simmonds escapes suspension, as his incidents were penalized by the on-ice officials and did not rise to the level of further supplementary discipline. His fine in this case is the maximum allowable under the CBA.
That Spezza hit was beautiful. Crouched down to make sure he got him.
And nothing for Stanley being 3rd man in.
You’re an idiot
And I’m stacked. Go home.
Dave What the hell does that even mean
Refs should be suspended
How about just replaced; and whomever is ‘directing’ / ‘managing’ them.
I don’t get blaming the refs. These guys are making split-second decisions at incredible speeds and get it right more often than not. Anyone who’s ever watched other pro sports knows the NHL probably has the best game officials.
The real blame obviously lies with the DoPS and their inability to do their job well. I don’t buy the narrative that players react because of lack of officiating. The referees are human, they miss stuff. I believe that if players had more faith in the process and that infractions would truly be handled appropriately and consistently they wouldn’t feel the need to take matters into their own hands as often as they do.
Pionk maybe 1 game and Spezza should get at least 4
sens blinders on?
Uhm what? That’s what it’s probably going to end up being
Both should get 3. Anyone saying Spezza should get way more than Pionk clearly has blinders on. Both are dirty plays. Both have no place in the game but one resulted in injury while Pionk got up and finished the game.