It is not about protecting CM, it is about actually going by the rules of the game. Garland was grossly and obviously interfering with CM. A call of 2min interference and 5/10min unsportsmanlike is warranted for Garland. Also, NHL officiating is pretty bad generally.
The interference went both ways and was initiated by McDavid but that’s beside the point and hardly an excuse. McDavid targeting players’ heads with his stick and elbow is dirty, reckless, a needs to stop.
So no, it is not about protecting anyone. You are correct, headshots need to be eliminated but there were a bunch of them in this incident. And it leads to my original point - just call the game properly.
I disagree, the interference was Garland. CM had the puck, shouldered Garland and then Garland grabbed him. After they disengaged, Garland tackled him again. And, some other Canuck cross-checked CM in the back of head when CM was on his knees. It was a lame shot, but still.
Being targeted for his entire career will do that to a guy
Look at Crosby, MacKinnon, Malkin, etc. all talented players who refs and DOPeS allowed to be mauled. I don't agree with it...but I'm also not going to "tut tut" it and act like this isn't the worst officiated and policed professional league
I haven’t seen many Oilers games but in almost every game McDavid has delivered a dirty hit of some kind - crosscheck, stick or elbow in the face… and I think this may be the first one I’ve seen where he actually got a penalty. Granted it’s a small sample size as I don’t watch the Oilers.
Thursday’s game is going to be fun. Expecting both suspensions to still be in effect, but wouldn’t be surprised if the golden child doesn’t even get a suspension…
Comments
Look at Crosby, MacKinnon, Malkin, etc. all talented players who refs and DOPeS allowed to be mauled. I don't agree with it...but I'm also not going to "tut tut" it and act like this isn't the worst officiated and policed professional league