I don't see teams taking liberties with McDavid. It's most likely because the Oilers have some muscle in their lineup who will stop at nothing to make sure no one messes with the Golden Boy.
That and McDavid gets a penalty shot call for Wideman backchecking and having the audacity to touch him.
I think Johnny's developed a bit of a reputation as a whiner to officials which doesn't help his cause but the slashes are getting out of hand for sure as it's happening every game. Treliving should compile a video and submit this to NHL officiating asking for officials to pay closer attention. Also as long as this will continue possibly the Flames should looking into getting some custom protective gloves with wrist guards built in or something for him.
If the Flames retaliated every time Johnny had to shake his hand after getting hacked we would be killing penalties for half of every game.
The officials need to pull their head out of their asses and make the calls. If Johnny does have a reputation for whining to the refs then if he is actually hurt it will hopefully open their eyes to the fact he isn't faking it.
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Perhaps Johnny needs to retaliate himself.
If he gets slashed, then slash back.
Not just a small slash, take a golf swing at an ankle.
If he is going to leave the game anyway, may as well take the arsehole who hurt him out as well.
Seems his team mates wont do the job.
I believe the technical term is a professional penalty.
After a few whacks to the hands, Johnny turns around and gives a guy a really good solid chop to the back of the leg, his teammates would actually commend him for it, and gladly kill off the two minutes.
Guys like Ferly, Engelland and Hathaway should be making guys answer for slashes on Johnny. Donnybrook or die.
I think the score is a huge factor. Easier to take a few liberties and take that penalty when you team is up a couple. Hockey players have long memories.
Maybe it's me being cynical but I feel we are still dealing with the Wideman Curse. Refs are going to look the other way a lot when officiating a team that Dennis Wideman plays on.
I mean there isn't much else to explain it on. I could also be out to lunch. Just my 2 cents
I'd be curious to know the Flames average penalty minutes per game before and after the Wideman incident to determine. I don't want to full conspiracy yet but it seems like the pk is out there more.
I'd be curious to know the Flames average penalty minutes per game before and after the Wideman incident to determine. I don't want to full conspiracy yet but it seems like the pk is out there more.
PK minutes definitely went up last year post incident (especially post appeal). Not sure about this year.
Perhaps Johnny needs to retaliate himself.
If he gets slashed, then slash back.
Not just a small slash, take a golf swing at an ankle.
If he is going to leave the game anyway, may as well take the arsehole who hurt him out as well.
Seems his team mates wont do the job.
I'd prefer that he carry a switch blade in his glove.
Look man if you slash me again, I slash you with this
I KEEEL YOU!!
__________________
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
Aaron Ward @NHL_AaronWard
Hearing concerns over Johnny Gaudreau injury, possibly broker finger from slash. Further tests today and surgery a possibility. #Flames
Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
He definitely injured his finger and as Wardo reports, surgery could be part of the correction.
__________________ "I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?" Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
So now that he's legit hurt and will likely miss time, will we see any statement from the team addressing this - in particular calling out the NHL officials?
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