In the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 7-3 loss on Tuesday to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the game fell to the Maple Leafs after Michael Ponting received a penalty for a blow to the head of Eric Cirnak. A disciplinary meeting took place in the NHL, and as a result, it was learned that Bunting had received a three-game suspension.
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Why such a long comment?
During the post-season, this length of suspension will be the equivalent of a six-game suspension during the regular season. What’s interesting is that Bunting has never been suspended before. Although he had a reputation for playing on the edge, he was never forced to miss a match.
He is a first time offender. There is usually some leniency for beginners. It’s repeat offenders who get longer suspensions. So why did the NHL’s disciplinary system throw the book at Bunting?
One of the reasons is that Cernac is injured and has already been ruled out of tonight’s game. The second reason is because Bunting’s jab was too blatant – he obviously used his elbow on Cernak’s head. The third reason is that although Bunting is not suspended, he has been fined before for diving or decorating.
Former NHL referee Kerry Fraser weighs in on the comment
In a Sportsnet video, NHL official Kerry Fraser joins driving time To address the NHL’s Player Safety Department’s decision to suspend Bunting. In the video below, you can hear his conversation.
Fraser discussed Ponting’s hit and the resulting three-match ban. He thought the suspension made sense but agreed that three games is a high number in a possible seven-game series. He also commented on how the referees assessed the penalty and thought they made the right call in awarding Ponting a penalty for deliberate contact with his opponent’s head.
Fraser also noted his reaction to the play. Although he did not watch the match, he did watch the replay and stated that his instinctive reaction was that the hit was bad and it called for a match penalty.
Summarize the three reasons for this long sentence
Ultimately, Bunting received a three-game suspension for illegally checking Cernak’s head. The discussion in the video identified three reasons for this lengthy comment.
First, hits to the head are taken very seriously in the NHL. This is because there is a risk of serious injury to the target player. The NHL has made a concerted effort to suppress headbutts in recent years. In addition, players who illegally hit the head can expect their comment to be highly rated.
Secondly, Bunting’s hit was deemed intentional. The fact that it was not an accident likely contributed to the length of the suspension. The NHL’s Player Safety Administration considers intent when it determines a suspension. A player who is believed to have deliberately aimed at an opposing player’s head should expect a longer comment.
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Third, and finally, Bunting’s prior disciplinary history likely played a role in the length of his suspension. He’s been walking a fine line for a while now. Indeed, during the latter part of the season, it seemed that the umpires were watching Bunting carefully.
He has been fined in the past for decoration, but has never been suspended. However, his reputation for playing on the edge means that the NHL will likely be watching him more carefully. In some ways, he’s a repeat offender even if he’s never been stopped.
Now what happens?
So what happens to Bunting when his three matches are dispatched? If the Maple Leafs were still in the playoffs, would they play? And if he does, how much rope will the umpires give him?
Right now, it’s no surprise that Matthew Kniss is skateboarding on the team’s third line and getting ready for some postseason action.
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