Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl went viral for his cross-check on Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, leading to a desire for supplemental discipline.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans were up in arms last night after Leon Draisaitl delivered a dirty cross-check to Auston Matthews.
Draisaitl did not receive any punishment for this infraction. Instead, the referee let the play continue despite watching the incident go down right in front of his eyes.
It was yet another brutal instance of NHL officiating going against the Leafs. Although Toronto did have the last laugh, winning the game by a score of 7-2.
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In the aftermath of the cross-check, there was speculation that NHL Player Safety might get involved. However, it has become clear that this will not be the case.
NHL Player Safety stays quiet
With the 5 PM deadline passing by without a peep, it has become clear that Draisaitl will not be facing any sort of supplemental discipline for this play.
Ultimately, this should not come as a surprise to anyone. Draisaitl didn' draw blood, he didn't hit Matthews up high, and there are plenty of worse infractions that occur every single night, which largely go unnoticed.
However, the virality of this play and the outrage from Maple Leafs fans certainly put this on a pedestal. Clearly, NHL Player Safety sees it differently.
Ultimately, Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs don't seem that upset about the whole thing. They won the game, and now the Leafs are on a roll.
They are showing that they are one of the best offenses in the entire NHL, and it is becoming clear that Jim Hiller has his lineup clicking.
Opposing teams are getting frustrated, and that play by Draisaitl the other night is yet another example of this.
Do you believe NHL Player Safety made the right decision?
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