The Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis cries foul in the hit that injured Mason Raymond.
Raymond, a second line forward is out for three to four months after sustaining a vertebrae compression fracture. Most importantly, Raymond is out for game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The injury came on a routine play as Boston Bruin’s defenseman Johnny Boychuk tied up Raymond in the bruins defensive zone. As the puck went between the two entangled players, the two continued to the boards. As taught, Boychuk finished his hit.
After reviewing the play several times, the play is a normal hockey play. Boychuk directed Raymond to the boards and out of the play as any good defenseman would and should do. Unfortunately, Raymond was in an awkward position, resulting in hitting the boards wrong and an injury.
Canucks’ general manager Mike Gillis was reported storming out of the TD Garden after Game 6, questioning a lot of people as to whether or not anyone saw the puck near Raymond when he was hit by Boychuk. Most likely upset, perhaps planting a “biased officiating” seed, Gillis was upset. This still comes from a GM who asked for a ‘level playing field’ in the Chicago Blackhawks’ series.
Plain and simple, the hit from Boychuk on Raymond was not dirty and will not result in a suspension. Actually, you can watch the replay and see how Boychuk even let off on the hit, noticing Raymond’s vulnerability. It is sad really, the Canucks are a very talented team. If only they quit diving, biting, and complaining, the hockey world would have a little more respect for them.
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