Jeannot's Big Hit on Horvat: Penalty or Match Penalty?
So, you've probably heard about the big hit from Ryan Jeannot of the Nashville Predators on Bo Horvat of the Vancouver Canucks. It was a bang-bang play, and folks are debating if it should have been a match penalty. Was it a dirty hit? Was it just hockey? Let's break it down.
What Actually Happened?
The play happened in the third period of the game, with the Canucks up 3-1. Jeannot came barrelling down the ice and laid a big hit on Horvat. Horvat was clearly vulnerable and didn't have time to react. The hit was high and hard, and Horvat went crashing into the boards.
The Ruling
The referees immediately called a major penalty on Jeannot for charging. They also assessed a game misconduct, meaning Jeannot was out of the game. But, many fans and analysts were crying foul, saying a match penalty should have been given. A match penalty would mean Jeannot would be automatically suspended for the next game.
The Debate
So, why all the fuss? The key question is whether Jeannot's hit was intentional or reckless. Some believe it was purely accidental, a big hit that went wrong. Others, however, argue that Jeannot had plenty of time to avoid the hit and chose to go through with it.
The Aftermath
The controversy continued after the game, with many online debates and expert opinions flooding the internet. The league has yet to make a decision on any further disciplinary action. But one thing is clear: big hits like this will always be a hot topic in hockey.
Takeaway
Whether you agree with the officials' decision or not, this play is a prime example of the physicality and intensity of hockey. It also raises the question of player safety, a big concern in the sport. As for Jeannot, we'll have to wait and see if he faces any further punishment. This is one incident that will definitely be talked about for some time.