The Jets lost Kyle Connor to this knee-on-knee by the Ducks Ryan Strome early in the 2nd period:
#NHLJets forward Kyle Connor had to be helped off of the ice after this knee-on-knee hit from Ryan Strome.
He didn’t put any weight on his knee and went straight down the tunnel. pic.twitter.com/BiEpUTQkrL
— Connor Hrabchak (@ConnorHrabchak1) December 11, 2023
One element we discussed on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show last night was how would the Department of Player Safety view the hit?
Appears we have an answer as per Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press who tweeted:
Per a league source, would appear no supplemental discipline coming for Anaheim’s Ryan Strome, despite receiving a 5-minute major for kneeing #NHLJets Kyle Connor Sunday, which was upheld on review.
Connor having an MRI today in San Jose to determine extent of injury.
He followed that up with this:
Explanation given to me: The NHL believes Strome had planted his foot, rather than deliberately extended. Reckless, yes. Intentional, no. And that 5-minute major and game ejection sufficient punishment despite causing injury.
#NHLJets don’t agree with that assessment.
While a suspension to Strome won’t undo the damage done to Kyle Connor it may have sent a message to NHL players that being reckless has consequences.
