During the matchup Montreal Canadiens defenseman/enforcer Arber Xhekaj attacked Maple Leafs forward Cédric Paré after he took out Patrik Laine.
Patrik Laine was taking out of the game just after four minutes of play in the first period, after the Brutal knee-to-knee collision from Cedric Pare.
After the terrible situation, Arber Xhekaj decided to take matters into his own hands and just attacked Cedric Pare the second they both were on the ice, clearly many fans think this type of reaction was warranted. Xhekaj then received a 27-minute penalty for his actions.
However, despite how fans feel the NHL Player Safety has no other option but to intervene with the situation as they can't have players just running around and attacking other players. So today it was revealed by the NHL Department of Player Safety that Xhekaj would indeed be fined for his actions.
From the NHL Department of Player Safety's official account on X, they released an official statement:
Now, of course this decision by the NHL Player Safety has started some controversy amongst fans, as they have been inconsistent of their decisions over the years and yet this is just another example. Many believe Xhekaj should be suspended for his actions, and while others, mainly Canadiens fans believe he shouldn't have received any type of punishment.
Do you think the NHL Department of Player Safety made the right decision in regards of this situation?
POLL | ||
Do you think the NHL Department of Player Safety made the right decision in regards of this situation? | ||
Yes | 19 | 61.3 % |
No | 12 | 38.7 % |
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