Disappointing. Though I agree that the Gio hit was a bit dirty, I also argue that it was neither of the 'ugly' variety nor a deliberate intent to injure. Lomberg is a fairly open and shut case, though I am surprised that they gave him an additional game over the automatic. I think they came down hard on the these two given how Lucic was let-off with no action over a similar incident a week or two ago, and Kunitz wasn't even looked at. It really seems like there are 10 different people in charge of supplementary discipline for the NHL, and they all see things vastly different than one another. That's the frustrating part.
Now the Flames are without their best defencemen and their best defensive forward. It will be interesting to see how McDavid does on Sunday and what the gameplan will be, as well as who gets the responsibilities with match-ups. However, Flames still have to play a pretty damn good Nashville team as well.
Will be very interesting to see how this club responds with those two games. Just terrible timing with given the Flames are playing a top team in the league next, and then their divisional (and historical) rival the next night.
Just see the DOPS as being too inconsistent at times and it really does seem like anyone's guess on an incident-by-incident basis.
|