NHL Analysts Debate the Controversy Surrounding Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Punishable Hit

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Tom Banks
October 22, 2024 (3:24 PM)

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The NHL fined Oliver Ekman-Larsson for a hit against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and now there's been a huge debate over the controversial call.

Monday night featured just one game in the NHL between the Atlantic Division rival Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, but it was a play that has seen Oliver Ekman-Larsson fined $5,000 that is the biggest talking point coming out of the game.

Some clearly believe that it was the wrong call against the Maple Leafs veteran defenseman, while others like Ray Ferraro have now come to the league's defense after the controversial play was called a penalty. This comes after former NHLer Carlo Colaiacovo lambasted the league for the play, believing that not only was it not a fine, but it shouldn't have even been a penalty on the ice.

That wasn't the end of the discussion on social media however, as Colaiacovo responded by questioning whether a penalty was needed on the play given that it didn't involve a shoulder, but rather the rear-end of No. 95.

While Guentzel was clearly poking for the puck, he wasn't in possession, and therefore the league came down harsh on Ekman-Larsson with the call being interference, rather than dangerous contact. There was plenty more to love about this game as a hockey fan, as Andrei Vasilevsky gave Morgan Rielly a snow shower before the game, before ultimately being pulled after the Lightning goaltender allowed four goals early in the game, with Toronto getting the last laugh on at least one occasion in the game.

This hit will definitely bring out differing opinions in fans and analysts alike, but ultimately, what's done is done, with the league fining Ekman-Larsson for interference, but with the heavy hit and the issues with Vasilevsky, it's safe to say that their next meeting will be must-watch.