Andrew Mangiapane Suspended One Game: Why The NHL Got It Wrong

The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Calgary Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane for one game after an incident in Saturday’s contest versus the Seattle Kraken. Mangiapane was assessed a match penalty and game misconduct for cross-checking Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann in the legs. Mangiapane would then follow up this initial cross-check to McCann’s neck by cross-checking McCann in the head.

This one-game suspension is a slap on the wrist regarding player safety. Charlie McAvoy was just suspended for four games for an illegal check to the head; Mangiapane deserved more than McAvoy’s suspension.

Mangiapane Deserved A Long-Term Suspension

This play has clear intent to injure. Regardless of what one might say or do on the ice, there’s no justifying a cross-check to a player’s head. The play that caused Mangiapane to deliver this act stemmed from Jared McCann blocking a shot, seemingly frustrating Mangiapane. While McCann returned to the bench after a short absence, this play could’ve resulted in severe injury to McCann.

The decision to cross-check McCann while he was down on the ice in a vulnerable position is egregious. It was a bone-headed decision and easily could’ve been avoided. However, the heat of the moment has shown in previous times that these bone-headed decisions are unavoidable. Remember when Jamie Benn cross-checked Mark Stone while Stone was on his back? Remember when Nazem Kadri cross-checked Jake DeBrusk in the face after a clean hit on Patrick Marleau? Even Jeff Skinner was suspended multiple games for cross-checking a player in a vulnerable position.

I think it goes without saying that Andrew Mangiapane should’ve earned himself a minimum suspension of five games. This play was blatantly stupid and could’ve seriously injured McCann. Without any serious concern or care in each case, the NHL Department of Player Safety will continue to spin the wheel on supplemental discipline. What do you think Andrew Mangiapane deserved in this case?

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