San Jose Sharks Forward gets tossed after a questionable hit on Florida Panthers Patrick Hornqvist
In last night's game between the San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers Luke Kunin was assessed a five minute match penalty for a hit to the head of Patrick Hornqvist. Hornqvist was skating through center ice attempting to cross the blueline. With the puck just our of his reach, Hornqvist reached forward with his stick and all his attention was on the puck. Sharks forward Luke Kunin caught Hornqvist not looking and used his shoulder to hit Hornqvist right in the face.
Play was immediately stopped and a penalty was called. Ryan Lomberg was not happy with the hit and immediately checked Kunin to the ice. Hornqvist first went to his own bench and then skated to the locker room on his own strength.
Once play was stopped, the two referees reviewed the play and determined it was a match penalty for a hit to the head. Kunin was given a five minute major and ejected from the game.
Hopefully Hornqvist is ok and he is not injured. It didn't appear that Kunin was trying to be vicious on this play, yet he still was given a match penalty and ejected from the game. Clearly the NHL is trying to protect players from hits to the head and safety is a priority. This has not been the case in in previous seasons.
Perhaps enforcing these rules it will make players think twice before they act.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Kunin should get suspended | ||
| Yes | 19 | 25 % |
| No | 19 | 25 % |
| Borderline | 21 | 27.6 % |
| The league is soft, clean hit | 17 | 22.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
