Not to defend the play at all, but I feel like this happens 20 times a game near the crease? Someone goes down, a defender gives them a little cross check while they’re down/on their knees. Usually doesn’t result in the guy’s head bouncing off the ice.
Obviously he should be suspended, but I’m just surprised at the reaction when it usually doesn’t get one.
I think the big difference is that during play when there is action in the crease, players expect things like that and can brace themselves better. In this case, McCann was defenceless and had no reasonable expectation to get cross checked like that.
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On the back of the Rasmus suspension now the Flames may get the rep as one of the dirtiest team in the league. At least that’s an identity right?
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Seriously though, he's gotta get some games for that one. I thought 4 for Ras was stupid, if Mangiapane gets 4 for this one I probably wouldnt complain.
I heavily dislike the use of the stick as a weapon especially in the face or spine area.
Someone else said it and I agree. He lost his head, did something stupid, be glad nobody was seriously hurt, take your punishment, learn your lesson and move along.
You could almost see it in his body language in the penalty box. He knew he lost his head, he knew it. Make sure it doesnt happen again.
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Mangiapane is usually really clean, but I think he was frustrated that the puck was underneath the player. Digging for the puck was the right move, but he made a greasy play instead. I think it's definitely deserving of at least a few games.
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Yeah players don't have their face cross checked to the ice 20 times a game near the crease.
Now cross checks do occur with that type of regularity and you will sometimes see guys get cross checked when they are on their knees. But right in the neck or back of the head? No.
Fortunately Seattle seemed to be largely indifferent the whole game so there was no escalation.
Seems fair to me actually. The Benn cross-check was harder and directly to the head. Magiapane was responding to the Seattle player sliding into his legs, which is also dangerous. Magiapane also makes the first contact with the back and only part of the stick then hits the head.
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The stick slipped? He had two hands firmly on it, that’s nonsense.
The Benn one was worse and he is habitual.
The Rasmus hit was more premeditated and he wanted to deliver a cheap shot at end of game.
I kind of get it but thought this would be 2 or 3.
He wasn't aiming for his neck, head...like I said he is still responsible but it clearly contacts the shoulder area and slides down. It's basically two games since he missed last night. Still a fairly hefty penalty.
Watch the league video they say the same thing. He didn't use his body weight or even extend his arms...like Benn did
I think the big difference is that during play when there is action in the crease, players expect things like that and can brace themselves better. In this case, McCann was defenceless and had no reasonable expectation to get cross checked like that.
I dunno, McCann was on the puck.
Either way, I just think it’s odd we complain about the “wheel of justice” but then have all of these conditions that make the exact same play good or bad.
Cross checking a guy in the back when he’s on his knees/elbows after fighting for the puck in the crease? Good, defensive net presence.
Cross checking a guy in the back when he’s in his knees/elbows after covering the puck with his body away from the net? Horrible, 4 game suspension minimum, dirty!
Same thing with the Andersson play. The idea that his was somehow worse to people than McAvoy’s based solely on the time of the game (despite Andersson playing the puck carrier and having no history) is just… kind of bonkers?
Either cross checking guys in the back/neck area when they’re down is a big deal or it isn’t. Either checking guys to the head is a big deal or it isn’t. That’s how I’d like player safety to operate. I understand asking fans to operate that way too is probably too much.
1 seems about right. I was going to guess 2 but if you consider the old 'well he was booted out so early he essentially served 1 game already' argument, well here you go. Also a first time offender.
Not at all comparable to the Benn thing, where he fully lunged into it
