Bowen Byram ejected for spearing Jesse Puljujarvi below the belt
In today's game in the IIHF World Championship, former Oiler Jesse Puljujarvi was feeling some pain after a spear from Bowen Byram.
While battling for position in front of the net, Byram positioned his stick between Puljujarvi's legs, and forcefully yanked up as hard as he could to spear him in the groin. Thankfully for jocks, Puljujarvi looked like he didn't feel it that much, and instead went directly after the Canadian defenceman. Puljujarvi also received a roughing penalty for his part in the scrum after the play.
Later on in the scrum, there was a rare sight from Jesse Puljujarvi - he seemed genuinely incensed. With his helmet ripped off in the scrum, Puljujarvi was seen on the Referee's camera going directly after Byram in the scrum while screaming. Puljujarvi's more known for his smile, but this was an entire other side of him.
It was an especially vicious cup-check from Byram, and could perhaps warrant a one game suspension as well. On the other hand, assessing Puljujarvi a penalty for roughing for simply defending himself is absolutely ridiculous - but that's always the approach from international hockey.
Puljujarvi was the fourth overall pick by the Edmonton Oilers back in the 2016 draft, but his offensive game simply never translated to the NHL. Despite being a fan favourite in Edmonton and a great person, the Oilers needed to move on. Puljujarvi's offensive problems have followed him to a one year stint in Carolina, and he's now signed to a contract next year with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 22 NHL games this year, Puljujarvi only scored 3 goals and 4 points.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Byram should be suspended one game for this spear against Puljujarvi? | ||
| Yes, an ejection isn't enough | 257 | 68 % |
| No, an ejection is fine | 90 | 23.8 % |
| Should've just been a penalty | 31 | 8.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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