NHL Insiders Clash Over Controversial Opinions on Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Reverse-Hit

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Daniel Lucente
October 22, 2024 (3:05 PM)

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There seems to be a lot of opinions amongst NHL insiders regarding Leafs Oliver Ekman-Larsson's reverse-hit last night on Jake Guentzel, and it's leading to clashes.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson found himself in some hot water with the NHL's Department of Player Safety following an incident during an emotionally filled-matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Ekman-Larsson was fined the maximum of $5,000 as allowed under the league's collective bargaining agreement for a hit on Lightning forward Jake Guentzel. The fine was regarding a play that was deemed as interference, and the fine came from a moment during a very physical third period of the game, which resulted in a penalty.

NHL analysts seem to be in disagreement with each other over this fine that was handed down to Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

For one, Carlo Colaiacovo believes that it's completely ridiculous for fining players for reverse-hits, and he believes it should not even have been a penalty. In a total clash of opinions, NHL insider Ray Ferraro quickly chimed in, stating that this would be called interference every single time. He claims Ekman-Larsson threw in a shoulder to Guentzel who didn't even have the puck, so this play should have never happened in the first place.

It was an intense matchup between the Maple Leafs and the Lightning in which Toronto came out on top 5-2. That did not stop physicality from running free, however, as both teams combined for 30 minutes in penalties. Probably the most discussed comes from Oliver Ekman-Larsson on this questionable hit on Jake Guentzel.

As Guentzel pursued a loose puck through the neutral zone, Ekman-Larsson lined up a heavy hit, with Guentzel's head appearing to snap back on impact. The hit looked dangerous, but Guentzel did not appear to suffer any serious injuries and continued playing after the incident. The reason for this fine is likely because in many other circumstances, this could have resulted in a very serious injury. Both players are very lucky nothing major came out of this.

It wouldn't be the only skirmish between the two players on the night. Earlier, Jake Guentzel received a roughing call on Oliver Ekman-Larsson in yet another tussle. In the corner during a second-period scrum, Guentzel dropped a forearm into the face of Ekman-Larsson, drawing a two-minute minor of his own. The repeated confrontations between the two added to the tension of the game, but fortunately, neither player left with any injuries.

While the game continued without serious physical injury, the NHL wanted to make a point regarding the safety of the players and fined Oliver Ekman-Larsson for his reckless play. The $5,000 fine makes it clear that with the fierce competition, dangerous hits will be caught as the league keeps working on continued efforts toward minimizing contact to the head and other dangerous plays on the ice. It will be interesting to see if any other insiders chime in with their thoughts on this potentially very dangerous play.