The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs wrapped up a pair of preseason games against each other. Both teams are dealing with injuries as a result of these games.
During Saturday, September 28th’s game, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cédric Paré found himself skating towards Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine where the two players collided knee on knee. Paré, who was fine after the hit, skated away after the collision. Laine will likely miss extended time after the hit as he needed to be helped off the ice. Later reports surfaced that Laine left the Bell Centre with a knee brace and crutches.
Many debates have sparked over social media as a result of this hit, and Cédric Paré must face supplemental discipline for the contact. The entire intention by Paré was to hurt Laine and it was clear by the way Laine’s knee buckled. After the game, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis noted that Laine would need further evaluation before any information could be given. The concerns as noted by Dr. Harjas Grewal for Laine are a torn ACL, torn MCL, torn meniscus, and a bone bruise. While one or all could be likely, you have to feel for Patrik Laine.
I want to make one thing abundantly clear, this sort of play does not belong in any level of hockey. Paré deserves to face supplemental discipline for intent to injure.
Following the play later in the game, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj wanted Cédric Paré to answer the bell for the hit. Xhekaj, who’s fought the toughest players currently in the NHL and has won his fair share of fights, couldn’t get Paré to drop the gloves. Fine, since that’s the case, have someone else on the bench that Paré would answer to be the one that he settles this with.
Xhekaj, who was filled with rage seeing his new teammate leave with an injury before the regular season started, caught Paré and unloaded on him. Paré, who was swung to the ice and did not get his gloves off, was hit in the back of the head several times by Xhekaj. Both Paré and Xhekaj carried out reckless plays in their respective situations and must hear from player safety.
Paré, who should’ve received a major for his hit, was not given a penalty. Xhekaj, who attacked Paré, received 27 minutes in penalty minutes for his actions. Xhekaj will likely have to answer the bell for attacking a Leafs prospect who should’ve been tossed from the game entirely. This was all completely avoidable if Paré is tossed for the hit on Laine.
I enjoy seeing the physical side of hockey and watching the code play itself out, but there will always be a call for referees to toss players making reckless hits as Paré did on Laine.
