There are a few unwritten rules in hockey.
Players around the league generally understand that there can be no punches below the belt, no checks from behind, and most importantly, absolutely no kicking. In the Winnipeg Jets vs San Jose Sharks game this past weekend, Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien neglected one of the unwritten rules when he questionably kicked San Jose Sharks forward Chris Tierney. The play occurred after Tierney ran into Winnipeg's goaltender Connor Helleybuck.
Tierney was awareded a goaltender interference penalty and was oddly the only player sent to the box. Safe to say Byfuglien got away with the dirty play.
For whatever reason, other players have also used their skates as a form of retaliation. Slovenian forward Ziga Jeglic performed a high-kick from his bench and received a two game suspension for his actions.
Winnipeg managed to score on the ensuing power play on a shot from Mathieu Perreault that extended their lead to 3-1.
Byfuglien has been known to make some dirty plays in his day, but this might be up there as one of the cheaper ones. The Jets head to San Jose to take on the Sharks on January 23, so it will be interesting to see if Tierney or his teammates will target the defender. At 6’5, 260 pounds, Buff shouldn’t have a problem holding his own if things do get ugly.
Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images
