Jeannot Ejected for Head Hit on Boeser: Was it a Penalty or a Suspension?
You know how it is: watching your favorite team, the St. Louis Blues, battling it out on the ice. Then, BAM! A big hit that sends shivers down your spine. That's exactly what happened when Ryan O'Reilly, the Blues' captain, laid a massive hit on Canucks forward Brock Boeser. The ref immediately whistled it down as a penalty, but the real drama came after the game.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety got involved, and we all wondered: was this hit a clear penalty or something more serious? The verdict? Jeannot's actions were deemed worthy of a one-game suspension. Let's dive into the details and break down why the NHL made this call.
The Hit in Question: A Clear Violation?
The incident happened in the third period of the Blues' game against the Canucks. With the Blues up by a goal, O'Reilly came flying into the offensive zone, ready to deliver a hit on Boeser. He connected, but the impact sent Boeser crashing hard into the boards. Boeser clearly looked dazed and stayed on the ice for a few moments, before eventually skating off.
The refs immediately called O'Reilly for boarding and gave Boeser a chance to recover. But the debate sparked as soon as the dust settled. Was it a clean hit, or did O'Reilly lead with his elbow?
The NHL Player Safety department reviewed the play from every angle and ultimately decided that it was a "dangerous hit" because O'Reilly hit Boeser in the head. The review revealed that O'Reilly's elbow was extended and that he had enough time to adjust his body position before the collision.
The NHL's Decision: A Suspension?
The NHL Department of Player Safety, after reviewing the incident, decided that a one-game suspension was warranted. They argued that the hit was dangerous and reckless and that O'Reilly's actions could have resulted in a serious injury to Boeser.
The NHL's decision was met with mixed reactions. Some fans argued that the suspension was too harsh, while others felt that it was a fair penalty. The Blues themselves were disappointed, but ultimately agreed to accept the NHL's decision.
The Takeaway: A Lesson for the Future?
This incident serves as a reminder that the NHL is taking a zero-tolerance approach to head hits. Whether it was intentional or not, the NHL is sending a clear message: player safety comes first, and any dangerous hit will be punished.
So, what's the lesson for players like Ryan O'Reilly? It's about making better decisions on the ice and avoiding those hits that put their opponents at risk. While the Blues might be missing O'Reilly for a game, the NHL hopes this suspension will help make the game safer for everyone involved.