When the refs abdicate responsibility to officiate a hockey game chaos tends to ensue as the players police themselves which is what we saw last night in the Jets and Wild game. It was an important game for both teams as Winnipeg attempted to punch their place in the playoffs while Minnesota wanted to make a push for top spot in the Central (and likely also to deny their rival a chance at the post-season).
It was a chippy affair that became full on chaos in the 3rd period.
Player Safety handed down a $5,000.00 fine to Neal Pionk for a cross-check he delivered to the ribs of Marcus Johansson. They also announced that Ryan Hartman would have a hearing for his hit on Nikolaj Ehlers.
It was just announced by Player Safety that Hartman would be suspended for one game which means he’ll miss the final game of the season for Minnesota but will not miss any playoff games.
Here is their explanation video:
I went back and watched the end of the game and it is worth noting that while Nikolaj Ehlers didn’t play again after the Hartman hit he was on the bench at the end of the game and celebrated the win with his teammates.
Safe to say the rivalry is back between Friendly Manitoba and Minnesota Nice. Your thoughts in this suspension? Let us know here.
