Scott Laughton questions NHL officiating after controversial hit from behind
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Scott Laughton was none too pleased with the NHL officiating on Tuesday after he was levelled into the boards without a penalty call.
It was another testy affair between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, as the two teams were chippy all night though Toronto came away with a 4-1 victory.
Brad Marchand was knocked out of the game, bodies were flying, and every whistle it felt like there could be chaos.
But arguably the biggest hit in the game was Scott Laughton, though he was on the receiving end when he was shoved head-first into the boards. While he looked a little shaken up, he was fine and only came away with a cut on his nose.
Scott Laughton incensed about boarding non-call
It was a brutal hit that once again went unpunished, and for Laughton he felt that was inexcusable.
Speaking to reporters after Toronto's 4-1 win over the Panthers, Laughton revealed his true feelings on the matter and felt like the incident should have at least warranted a bit of punishment:
It's a clear hit from behind. So, not sure what they saw there.
When you take a look at the actual hit itself, you get a clearer picture of the fact that yes, it was indeed a clear hit from behind.
Laughton was absolutely furious, berating the officials and also making sure he kept note of who was the culprit (who turned out to be Eetu Luostarinen).
Toronto's strong night overshadows brutal officiating anyways
Give props to Laughton for not only staying in the game, but standing his ground the entire night and he was an absolute spark plug for the entire 60 minutes.
Toronto was outshot and out-hit however were able to give the Panthers a lot of frustration with 18 blocked shots, and it was another night with an Auston Matthews goal; his seventh in five games.
But as well as the team did, it does bring an issue to light that we all know too well. The Maple Leafs just don't get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to drawing penalties, and they are often ignored when it comes to getting calls go their way.
It's why Toronto's power-play has become so important now because the minimal chances they get, they are at least capitalizing on. Combined with a strong penalty kill, they are doing their best to fight back against the officiating.
Though we probably should have seen a penalty, at least Laughton can walk away knowing his team put in a dominant performance against the reigning champs and he gets the last laugh at the end of the night.
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