Well, that was dumb.
Calgary Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane picked up a match penalty for cross-checking Seattle’s Jared McCann.
With the Flames pressing in the attacking zone, McCann fell on a loose puck in the slot. Frustrated, Mangiapane cross-checked the Kraken forward in the neck.
Referee Kevin Pollock’s arm shot up for the penalty. With the call on the ice a major or match, referees Pollock and Trevor Hanson reviewed the play to confirm the call.
After checking the video, Mangiapane was handed a match penalty for cross-checking with intent to injure.
McCann, if not for the cross-check, may have picked up a penalty of his own on the play for covering the puck under Rule 63:
A minor penalty for delay of game shall be imposed … on any player, including the goalkeeper, who holds, freezes or plays the puck with his stick, skates or body in such a manner as to deliberately cause a stoppage of play.
No call on McCann… but clearly a deserved penalty to Mangiapane.
The Flames forward should also expect a call from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety tomorrow. Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn was suspended two playoff games – during the Western Conference Final – for a similar cross-check on Golden Knights’ captain Mark Stone.
Referees for the game are Trevor Hanson (#14) and Kevin Pollock (#33), with linespersons Bevan Mills (#53) and Mitch Hunt (#62).
