Player Safety Sends a Firm Warning to Evander Kane
It's definitely not the answer most fans of the Minnesota Wild want to hear, but the NHL's Department of Player Safety has come to a conclusion after a very controversial hit on defenceman Jonas Brodin.
Player Safety Reaches Verdict on Kane Hit
Social media went wild during the game between the Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild Thursday night after Evander Kane go nothing for a hit from behind on Jonas Brodin. Brodin left the game. Teammate Ryan Hartman tried to defend him, but ended in the penalty box.
"For those who missed it, the uncalled hit on Brodin by Kane that knocked Brodin out of the game and resulted in a penalty to Hartman for going after Kane."
Many assumed Kane would at least get a fine from the Department of Player Safety, if not a suspension as well. Turns out, he gets nothing. Michaël Russo, who covers the Wild, believes Player Safety's lack of action was due to the fact that Brodin knew Kane was coming for the hit, but did nothing to protect himself.
"Hearing no discipline coming to Evander Kane likely because Brodin shoulder checks and didn't protect himself despite fact Evander Kane needlessly drives his head into the glass."
"Still, fact this wasn't a Wild power play is outrageous. Fact the refs then fall for Kane timberrrring like a tree in a forest to put the Wild a man down en route to winning goal is even more outrageous."
"Way Brodin has been playing, this will be a big loss if he's out for #mnwild."
"Still, fact this wasn't a Wild power play is outrageous. Fact the refs then fall for Kane timberrrring like a tree in a forest to put the Wild a man down en route to winning goal is even more outrageous."
"Way Brodin has been playing, this will be a big loss if he's out for #mnwild."
Kane Gets some Slack from Player Safety
There are many who don't agree with the ruling, or a lack of one in this case. No doubt it was a hard hit and caught Brodin in the numbers. It's hard to argue that Brodin couldn't have done more to protect himself here, though.
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 9 | 145 ANSWERS Player Safety Sends a Firm Warning to Evander Kane Should this have been at least a penalty? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 22.1 % |
| Yes, and suspension and/or fine | 55 | 37.9 % |
| No | 33 | 22.8 % |
| I'm not sure | 25 | 17.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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