NHL Under Fire for Missing Suspension-Worthy Hit on Mitch Marner

While the Maple Leafs ended up coming away with a 3-1 victory, things could have ended up much worse for them, especially how they're going to need as much firepower as possible ahead of a tough April schedule.

Which is why they were lucky that they avoided any catastrophe as forward Mitch Marner was on the receiving end of a cheap shot and very dirty hit from the Kings' Alex Larerriere, but was able to shake it off and remain in the game, quelling concerns.

It looked very rough at first, but thankfully the star forward ended up okay, if not feeling a bit banged up the day after.

But it's a but perplexing as to why the NHL didn't announce any type of punishment for the hit, given how quick they are to make sure that they hand out some swift justice.

It certainly was a cheap shot, and the NHL rules define that an illegal hit that causes injury, potential injury, or was intentionally aimed at the opposition's head warrants additional punishment, and at least a phone call.

The Maple Leafs are often on the receiving end of some rough refereeing, and there's a lot of concern that the league doesn't like them and are often trying to stack the deck against them.

The team lost Ryan Reaves for five games earlier this season, was punished for a backward body check, and have twice had their stars potentially injured due to careless opponents to nothing more than a whimper.

It doesn't bode well for Toronto in the playoffs if teams are able to run roughshod around the ice and make their lives miserable while escaping punishment.

It's bizarre that the NHL would want to make it look like they are handicapping their most profitable teams.

But while Laferriere got away with a dirty hit, the Maple Leafs too got away without some serious repercussions.

Let's just hope these types of hits start to level out, not only for Marner's sake, but for the sake of every player in the league.