Following last night’s game versus the New York Rangers, Maple Leafs winger Leo Komarov has been suspended for what was deemed a predatory hit to the head versus Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh.
Toronto’s Leo Komarov suspended three games for elbowing NY Rangers’ Ryan McDonagh. Video: https://t.co/WDUVIwP6PZ
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 19, 2016
Leafs Forward Leo Komarov Suspended
In the first period of last night’s game at the Air Canada Centre, Komarov came back into the defensive zone to deliver a hit to McDonagh, who was attempting a deke on Leafs Centreman Nazem Kadri. McDonagh failed to return to the game after the first period.
The video clearly shows that the principal point of contact from the hit was directly to the head, and while McDonagh was in a semi-crouched position, Komarov very clearly extends his elbow up and into McDonagh’s head, as opposed to using his body to make contact. The Department of Player Safety determined that Komarov’s skating trajectory preceding the hit indicates that the intended point of contact was in fact the head.
Komarov, who has no previous disciplinary issues, in 160 NHL games, was issued a 5-minute major and ejected from the game for the hit. He will forfeit US $47,580.66 in salary and is suspended from the league for three games.
For a full explanation of the decision from the NHL Department of Player Safety, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/leo-komarov-suspended-3-games/t-277440360/c-41582203.
Main Photo Credit:
Main Photo Caption: VANCOUVER, BC – FEBRUARY 13: Leo Komarov #47 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks to make while being defended against by Christopher Tanev #8 of the Vancouver Canucks in NHL action on February, 13, 2016 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
