Bobby McMann makes his stance clear on his one-game suspension
Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs - YouTube
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann made his feelings known regarding his one-game suspension, expressing remorse and is happy no one was hurt.
On Monday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs had a feisty affair that led to several penalties including a match penalty to Bobby McMann, and a game misconduct to Tampa's Gage Goncalves after kneeing Toronto's Dakota Mermis.
McMann was issued a one-game suspension due to him using his stick to hit forward Oliver Bjorkstrand in the head. Although it was a glancing blow, it was still a 'no-no' in the eyes of the NHL, while Goncalves got nothing for injuring Mermis.
It's caused a lot of frustration for both the Maple Leafs and their fans as they are wondering why the NHL is deciding to play favorites especially since there was a legitimate long-term injury that occurred.
Bobby McMann remorseful, but frustrated about one-game suspension
But no one should have been more frustrated than McMann, who was unfairly punished given that Bjorkstrand skated away scot-free while Mermis did not. He served his time on Thursday, and will be back in the lineup on Saturday night.
Speaking with reporters after practice on Friday, McMann was honest in his assessment of his suspension, and admitted that he was happy no one got hurt, and there was no malicious intent behind the stick-swinging incident:
There was nothing malicious about it, I was never trying to injure anybody. Luckily nobody was hurt, I think you just get in those battles where the hands get high and things kind of just escalate.
I think if you look at where that all started, you want to be there for a teammate. Then emotions are running high, that's kind of the biggest thing is where the attention should be looked at, is where it all started.
I think if you look at where that all started, you want to be there for a teammate. Then emotions are running high, that's kind of the biggest thing is where the attention should be looked at, is where it all started.
There's no denying that Mermis' injury was due to Goncalves' intentional actions, and he skated across the ice and failed to avoid a stationary object in Mermis; he was just standing there and Goncalves just went for the knee.
McMann did the right thing by sticking up for Mermis, however as much as it's a frustrating conclusion, you can't be swinging your stick carelessly regardless of if you're pushed.
Toronto needs McMann back on the ice
However, McMann should be frustrated he was suspended considering two years ago Jacob Trouba took a swing at Trent Frederic and was only issued a $5,000 fine.
Though that frustration should subside soon given that he is headed back into the lineup for a critical game against Edmonton on Saturday night. The Oilers just made a massive trade to acquire Tristan Jarry; a player Toronto is very familiar with and has a lot of success against recently.
No word yet on if he will debut on Saturday, but they also lost a key defender in Brett Kulak, so it will be interesting to see how they figure out their lineup against Toronto.
But McMann will have his hands full trying to shut down some of the Oilers more dangerous weapons though if he can continue building on his chemistry with Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua; then the team should have no issues at least with their third line.
The Maple Leafs are going to be happy that they have their speedy, high-octane winger back in the fold because if there's anyone who can keep up with the Oilers it's Bobby McMann.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 891 ANSWERS Bobby McMann makes his stance clear on his one-game suspension Did Bobby McMann deserve his one-game suspension? | ||
| Yes | 243 | 27.3 % |
| No | 648 | 72.7 % |
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