The NHL Department of Player Safety recently held a hearing regarding a boarding/interference incident involving Arizona Coyotes forward Jason Zucker and Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins. In this article, we will examine the details of the incident, the subsequent fight, the impact on the players involved, and the reactions from fans and coaches.
During the game, Cousins delivered a hit to Coyotes defenseman Juuso Valimaki, who was on one knee against the side boards. Observing the play, Zucker skated over and forcefully checked Cousins from behind, driving his head into the glass. This action resulted in Zucker receiving a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct, while Forsling of the Panthers received an instigator penalty.
Following the incident, Panthers coach Paul Maurice revealed that Cousins entered the concussion protocol. While the hit delivered by Cousins on Valimaki did not result in a penalty or supplemental discipline, many fans expressed outrage upon reviewing the replay, believing Cousins had taken a run at a vulnerable Valimaki. A reverse angle showed that Cousins had little time to adjust his approach as Valimaki dropped to the ice, subsequently influencing the force of the hit.
Valimaki, despite the hit, managed to remain in the game and even played nine shifts in the third period for Arizona. These details provide insight into the impact of the incident on both players involved and highlight Valimaki’s resilience.
A significant aspect to consider is Cousins’ history as one of the NHL’s most polarizing players. Renowned for his agitating style of play and trash-talking, Cousins has been involved in multiple incidents in the past. Just last month, he was part of another borderline hit with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson. Cousins drove Gudbranson’s head into the end boards, resulting in a five-minute major for boarding, later downgraded to a minor penalty upon review. Gudbranson was then suspended for one game by NHL Player Safety for his retaliatory actions against Cousins.
This pattern of behavior contributes to the broader context surrounding the incident and raises questions about Cousins’ impact on player safety.
Given the severity of Zucker’s check on Cousins and the resulting injury, the NHL Department of Player Safety deemed it necessary to hold a hearing. While the outcome of the hearing is currently undisclosed, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential consequences Zucker could face for his actions.
The boarding incident involving Jason Zucker and Nick Cousins demonstrates the inherent dangers within professional hockey and the necessity of player safety protocols. As the NHL Department of Player Safety reviews the incident, fans and analysts alike eagerly await the determination and potential disciplinary actions. It remains to be seen how the league will address this incident and whether it will have a lasting impact on player behavior and the enforcement of player safety measures.
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