NHL's Punishment Problem: George Parros' Anti-Leafs Bias and Inconsistent Rulings in the Case of Ekman-Larsson
The NHL has a punishment problem, fining Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson while ignoring any discipline for Jacob Trouba leading some to think 'Why?'
With a history of being either too lenient or too strict, the NHL's Player Safety Department made yet another stunning decision to add to their ever-growing list of incidents that have angered players, coaches, and fans alike. The outrage directed towards George Parros and company is valid given their track record, and the league needs to start doing a better job.
Which is why it's baffling that the NHL decided to fine Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson $5000 for his innocuous hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel:
But the league didn't give any sort of fine or punishment to notorious headhunter Jacob Trouba after he delivered a vicious and dirty check that had intent behind it:
It's genuinely shocking to see the league eschew punishment for Trouba although the way they've handled previous incidents before it shouldn't be. Arguably the NHL's dirtiest player of the last 10-15 years, Tom Wilson, has been at both the mercy of the Player Safety Department and in their blind spot. Being suspended six times in his career, Wilson was only fined $5000 (the same as Ekman-Larsson) for this body slam of New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin:
This incident drew an uproar from analysts, fans, players, and former players including former enforcer John Scott, who chimed in after it happened with an ultimatum for the league given Wilson's actions:
Scott is right. If the league wants to set their precedent by allowing these things to happen, then fair game it is. It's a miracle Panarin wasn't hurt badly, same with Barron. While Trouba's hit wasn't to the level of Wilson's antics, the fact that he goes unpunished while Oliver Ekman-Larsson's back bump into Guentzel is equal to slamming an opponent on the ice in the league's eyes. It's ridiculous to think so, and it divided analysts on the initial call:
Not to mention that Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was the victim of a 'reverse' hit from Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak where Pastrnak didn't receive a penalty, let alone a fine:
The NHL needs to step up their game, no pun intended, if they want to ensure they are doing their players and fans a service by properly punishing those who deserve it. A reverse hit could be an interference penalty sure, but not a fine. Lowering your body and raising your elbow into a guy's head? Don't worry about it.
It's disrespectful for the NHL to try and pull the wool over everyone's eyes when fans, coaches, players, and analysts can all see right through them.
| POLL | ||
Should the NHL do a better job of issuing fines and suspensions like in the case of Ekman-Larsson and Trouba? | ||
