Kings' Jeannot Ejected for Hit on Canucks: A Controversial Play Sparks Debate
The NHL's Tuesday night clash between the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks saw tempers flare, with Kings forward Tanner Jeannot being ejected for a high hit on Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. The play, occurring in the second period, ignited controversy and has fans and analysts alike debating the call.
The Hit and the Aftermath
With the Kings leading 2-1, Jeannot delivered a check on Hughes as he entered the Kings' zone. While it initially appeared to be a clean hit, upon closer inspection, Jeannot's shoulder appeared to make contact with Hughes' head. The referees immediately assessed Jeannot a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct, resulting in his ejection from the game. The Canucks capitalized on the power play, with Elias Pettersson scoring to tie the game at 2-2.
Controversy Erupts
The call immediately sparked debate, with opinions varying wildly. Some argued that the hit was clearly a boarding penalty, emphasizing that Jeannot targeted Hughes' head with the intention of delivering a forceful impact. Others countered that it was a clean check, pointing out that Hughes initiated the contact and was not vulnerable at the time of the hit.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety will review the play and potentially issue further discipline to Jeannot. This review process will determine if the hit warranted supplemental discipline, which could range from a fine to a suspension.
Jeannot's Perspective
Following the game, Jeannot expressed his disappointment with the call. He stated that he was "trying to finish the check" and did not intend to target Hughes' head. "I got him in the chest and shoulder," Jeannot said, adding that he "didn't have any intentions of going high."
Impact on the Game
The ejection of Jeannot, a key physical presence for the Kings, undoubtedly impacted the team's performance. The Canucks ultimately went on to win the game 5-3, with the power play goal serving as a catalyst for their comeback.
Moving Forward
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of player safety in the NHL. While physicality is an inherent part of the game, the league has increasingly emphasized protecting players from potentially dangerous hits.
This incident will continue to be debated, with fans and analysts dissecting every angle of the play. Ultimately, the NHL's Department of Player Safety will have the final say, determining if Jeannot's actions warrant further punishment. This decision will likely set a precedent for similar incidents in the future, influencing how players approach physical play on the ice.