Aaron Ekblad forces Evan Bouchard to tap out with dangerous choke
Late in Game 2, Aaron Ekblad forces Edmonton Oilers defender Evan Bouchard to tap out to a rear naked choke.
Last night the Florida Panthers took a commanding 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals. Historically, teams that take this lead go on to win the series 90% of the time. As the game went on, things between the two teams grew heated highlighted by a moment when Panthers defender Aaron Ekblad placed Evan Bouchard in a rear naked choke.
As Ekblad applied the hold Bouchard could be seen tapping out to alert the defender. He was in stress. Ekblad did not immediately release the hold and continued to apply the move. Eventually he released Bouchard without incident, but as many have highlighted this was an extremely dangerous play.
Fans immediately began to react to this play and just how dangerous it was. Former NHL employee Rachel Doerrier had the following to say if the play:
Wtf are you thinking
It isn't known if the NHL Department of Player Safety will review this play, but it is definitely possible the league feels that this may reach the level of supplemental discipline. It will be interesting to see how the league reacts because this could very well set a tone for the remainder of the series.
| POLL | ||
Does Aaron Ekblad deserve supplemental discipline for this play? | ||
| Yes a suspension | 119 | 43.4 % |
| Yes a fine | 51 | 18.6 % |
| No, he doesn't deserve any punishment | 55 | 20.1 % |
| That's hockey baby | 49 | 17.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
