Robert Bortuzzo Facing Potential Suspension After Leaving Bench And Sparking Brawl
Robert Bortuzzo was itching to fight, so much so he leaped off the bench in the middle of a play to attack Mark Kastelic and could be facing discipline.
During a game between the Boston Bruins and Utah HC on Thursday night, a very bizarre incident occurred that could have some big consequences.
After trying to head back into the neutral zone, Bruins forward Mark Kastelic was mobbed by Utah HC defenseman Robert Bortuzzo as the Kraken were in the middle of a play.
Check out the full video here.
Both men were assessed a major for fighting, and the game continued on as normal.
However, the NHL will be undoubtedly taking a second look at the brawl, and Bortuzzo could be facing a hefty ban.
According to the NHL Rulebook, Rule 70.2:
We saw this earlier in the preseason when Connor Geekie ended up leaving the bench to start a fight.
While it wasn't as vicious as Bortuzzo using his stick as a weapon or slamming Kastelic's head into the boards but it's still an uncalled action that deserves more than a 5-minute major.
The NHL has been busy lately, with handing out a suspension to Ryan Reaves, explaining why dangerous hits are okay, and shutting down rumors that make them look bad.
It's fortunate that Kastelic didn't suffer any serious injuries and certainly held his own in the fracas. New head coach Joe Sacco has to be impressed with his center's resiliency too.
The 25-year-old Kastelic is in his 4th season and isn't known as a point producer with only 32 points in 163 games, he prefers to let his faceoff wizardy and fists pull double duty.
This season he has 7 points in 19 games for the struggling Bruins.
Bortuzzo, a 14-year veteran should certainly know better. Known for being a rough-and-tumble defender who blocks shots and plays solid defense. He signed a 1-year deal with Utah HC this summer.
It will be interesting to see if the league hands out any discipline, as these types of incidents are completely uncalled for.
If they can punish one rule they need to do so with the others, or it leaves another blemish on their reputation.
| POLL | ||
Should Robert Bortuzzo be suspended for leaving the bench to start a fight? | ||
| Absolutely! | 845 | 88.7 % |
| No it was pretty cool honestly | 108 | 11.3 % |
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