There are some things you just can’t do in hockey, and cross-checking an opposing player on their bench is definitely high on the list.
The Montreal Canadiens visited the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome last night where things got seriously ugly after Arturri Lehkonen put home the game-winning goal with just over seven minutes left. The two sides exchanged such harsh words that Flames forward Mikael Backlund felt the need to cross-check Jonathan Drouin while he was off the ice. It was no surprise to see Andrew Shaw lose it afterward as he had to be contained by his teammates.
That looked bad… hockey fans weren’t impressed either, though some understood Backlund’s frustration.
As for Habs players? They appeared to be all smiles after their 3-2 victory.
Backlund ultimately received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the play. Sure, the refs missed a couple of call but perhaps Backlund was just frustrated that his team wasn’t getting any of last night’s bounces. Calgary out-shot Montreal 45-22 but couldn’t find a way to get the best of Carey Price.
We’ll have to wait and see if the NHL hands Backlund any further discipline going forward.
