POLLS     NHL STATS     SEARCH

TRENDING NOW


Leafs' William Nylander Cross-Checks Opponent In The Neck And Could Face Suspension

PUBLICATION
Daniel Lucente
November 28, 2024  (12:36)
SHARE THIS STORY

William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs cross-checks Florida Panthers play in the neck
Photo credit: X screenshot

Leafs' William Nylander was involved in a controversial play in last night's game against the Panthers, and he could be suspended today for it.

During Wednesday's game between the Panthers and Maple Leafs, William Nylander was assessed a double minor for cross-checking Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt.

Frustrated after losing the puck, Nylander retaliated in a rare display of aggression for the Swedish forward.

Schmidt was out for a bit but returned relatively quickly. The question is whether Nylander will face any further discipline, but it's a play that will very likely be looked at by the Department of Player Safety (DoPS).

Toronto can only hope that any disciplinary action will be light because the play seemed fairly accidental. That said, Nylander's stick did clearly catch Schmidt in the neck and face; he could be fined or suspended.

Critics say the NHL is inconsistent in its disciplinary decisions, none more so than against the Maple Leafs. A reverse hit earned Oliver Ekman-Larsson a $5,000 fine while head-targeting plays by Jacob Trouba have drawn similar minimal penalties.

The Maple Leafs can ill afford to lose Nylander, even briefly. The 28-year-old leads the team with 14 goals and has 24 points in 22 games.

Toronto fell 5-1 to Florida on Wednesday and faces the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, a critical opportunity to rebound.

If Nylander is out, the Maple Leafs may have some good news with Auston Matthews returning after being out for almost a month. He may be the spark that they need to get out of this hump.

POLL
28 NOVEMBRE   |   148 ANSWERS
Leafs' William Nylander Cross-Checks Opponent In The Neck And Could Face Suspension

Do you believe William Nylander will be suspended?

Yes3825.7 %
No11074.3 %
List of polls
Latest 10 stories
pub
HOCKEYLATEST.COM
COPYRIGHT @2024 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  -  POLICIES  -  PRIVACY AND COOKIE SETTINGS