Chris Kreider throws Matthew Tkachuk mouth guard into crowd, could face discipli

The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers have developed quite a dislike for one another as teams do over a conference Finals series. After a dirty elbow by Jacob Trouba in Game 3, it was clear the temperature had rocketed up between the two teams. That once again became evident when Chris Kreider engaged Matthew Tkachuk.

After the two players became engaged during a post whistle scrum, Kreider snatched Tkachuk's patented mouth guard out of his mouth. As referees separated the two parties Kreider took the mouth guard and launched it into the crowd, much to Tkachuk's surprise.

Despite this being a clear violation of the league's rules, the referees decided not to penalize Kreider, likely due to the punishment meaning in a mandatory game misconduct in the rule book.

While there are no mandatory suspensions for this infraction, the NHL and the commissioner retain the right to apply supplemental discipline for this infraction. It is unlikely the league would suspend Kreider during such a pivotal series, but it is possible he could face a fine for his actions.

Real question here however is how the officials ignored this on the ice. This is a black and white rule and not open for much interpretation but once again the referees chose not to take action. The Panthers went on to win the game in overtime and tie the series.