Possible Suspension Looming for Zach Whitecloud After Dirty HeadShot on Matthew Knies; Similar to Ryan Reaves
The Maple Leafs lost Ryan Reaves after he took out Darnell Nurse, and now they may be facing a loss of their own in Matthew Knies after taking a huge hit by Zach Whitecloud.
After the first goal in the career of Fraser Minten at the NHL level, the Toronto Maple Leafs were looking to build on their lead in a crucial showdown with the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, things took a major turn for the worst, as young forward Matthew Knies was helped off the ice following a hit from Zach Whitecloud that drew the attention of the entire fanbase.
After the illegal and unnecessary hit from Ryan Reaves against the Edmonton Oilers that resulted in a five-game suspension, Toronto have been in the spotlight in recent times, but now it's Whitecloud that could face discipline for this dirty, unnecessary hit on Knies.
Sure, it's great to play a physical game to get in the head of your opponents and potentially make a game changing play, but when you leave your skates and target an opponents head, it's simply ridiculous and unnecessary.
After the hit, the Maple Leafs announced on social media that the 23-year old will not return to the game as a result of it, sparking fears that he may miss some time.
Surprisingly, the officials called this one a clean hit, despite Knies having to be taken off the ice and checked for a concussion, which will be sure to draw the ire of Maple Leafs fans all over social media.
John Tavares immediately stood up for his young teammate, but after the period was over, the Sportsnet panel seemingly agreed with the officials who called it a clean play on the ice.
Fans have already expressed their frustration with the situation, and given that the first point of contact was the head, this is likely to just be one of many fans fuming about the call.
Whether or not it was clean, that's the way it has been called, and with the Leafs up 1-0 at the end of the second period, they'll be looking to build on their lead as they worry about the health of their young winger.
