'It Was a Head Shot': Berube's Comments Quickly Shift Attention Toward NHL Player Safety
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
After Scott Laughton was taken out by a heavy hit by Nikita Zadorov, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was heated and told reporters his true feelings post-game.
During Saturday night's game against the Boston Bruins, the Toronto Maple Leafs suffered another injury as forward Scott Laughton left the game after receiving a massive, albeit slightly dirty hit from Boston defender Nikita Zadorov:
Although it happened in a flash, you can see that Zadorov raised his elbow/arm to Laughton and knocked him to the ice.
Bobby McMann took exception to the hit and decided to fight Zadorov in a spirited effort.
Laughton left the game and didn't return, which is a rough turn of events considering he just returned and made his debut against Utah on Wednesday night.
But it was Craig Berube who was most upset with how things turned out, and didn't hold back his thoughts as to what he believed was a dirty hit.
The Replay Shows Exactly Why Berube Lost It Behind the Bench
Speaking to reporters post-game, Berube was his usual blunt self, but was clearly exasperated and stated that he needed to double check whether he should be extra furious or not.
For now though, he's gotta put on his detective hat and do some extra research:
I thought it was a head shot. I gotta take a closer look at it.
The Player Safety Department should at least take a look at the hit considering that Laughton left the game, and there was some intent on Zadorov's part, and while he didn't leave his feet; he did direct his arm upwards towards Laughton's head.
Also to keep in mind too, Zadorov is 6'7, and Laughton is 6'1, so he's giving him a lot of height already, and it could have been just a case of the Bruins defender just being so big that when he went to lay in a normal hit; it was at Laughton's upper area.
It's just going to add another layer into the Toronto/Boston rivalry, and as we've seen it just takes one small spark to ignite something massive.
The Hit Forces the League Into the Spotlight Whether They Want It or Not
However it was almost immediately that Berube decided to take a closer look and perhaps that's the catalyst for the Player Safety Department to dish out some punishment to Zadorov; who only got a five-minute major for his fight with McMann.
The league has already issues several fines already this season, and while they have yet to really nail a player; if Laughton misses extended time there's potential there.
It also shows the underlying bias that the referees may have towards Toronto, as Zadorov deserved at least a two-minute minor for elbowing and if it were the reverse; you'd best believe the Maple Leafs would be going to the box.
Trying to keep their players safe is the top priority of the 'Player Safety' Department; it's literally their name.
The best way to do so is to deter players from repeating their actions, and for Craig Berube he wants them to make sure Zadorov thinks twice about going high next time.
Because Toronto can't have players getting hurt every game, and there needs to be a line in sand drawn when it comes to making sure punishment is enacted.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 9 | 1275 ANSWERS 'It Was a Head Shot': Berube's Comments Quickly Shift Attention Toward NHL Player Safety Do you think Nikita Zadorov should be suspended for his hit on Scott Laughton? | ||
| Yes | 1009 | 79.1 % |
| No | 266 | 20.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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