NHL Player Safety makes decision on Draisaitl suspension for Barkov hit
Since the moment Leon Draisaitl threw a nasty headshot hit against Aleksander Barkov, fans have been wondering if Draisaitl would be suspended.
Now, NHL insider Dave Pagnotta is saying that Player Safety will not be giving Leon Draisaitl any supplemental discipline for the hit.
Draisaitl's hit was worthy of a suspension. He skated in with speed against Barkov in a vulnerable position, left his feet and raised his hands to make direct contact with Barkov's head. The play caused Barkov to leave the game and potentially miss more time with injury.
Draisaitl avoids suspension after dirty hit against Barkov
Draisaitl was only assessed a two minute minor for a play that could alter the series if Barkov is out for any amount of time. According to Paul Maurice today, the Panthers are still evaluating Barkov, but it sounds like good news so far.
According to Elliotte Friedman of the 32 Thoughts Podcast today, some Panthers players were especially upset by the hit, saying if it was against McDavid or Draisaitl significant action and outrage would happen.
Elliotte [Friedman] said a couple Panthers told him if that was McDavid or Drai that was hit that way, they would be arresting the Panthers at the border.
It's extremely fortunate for the Oilers that Draisaitl has avoided a suspension, and good too for the series quality that it sounds like Barkov will be okay. The NHL likely didn't want to suspend the superstar Draisaitl from the Stanley Cup Final, but Draisaitl will still have to answer to the Panthers. As a physical team, they'll surely be targeting him for payback in game 3.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Panthers will target Leon Draisaitl for payback in game 3? | ||
| Yes, they'll be going after Draisaitl | 595 | 69.3 % |
| No, they won't go after him | 209 | 24.3 % |
| See Results | 55 | 6.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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