Adrian Kempe fined after disgusting hit on Connor McDavid went uncalled
LA Kings forward Adrian Kempe has been fined for slew-footing Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid last night.
The Oilers and Kings had what felt like a playoff game last night as the Oilers took home the 2 points in a 1-0 victory at home.
It was obviously a low-event game, but there was one play that stood out for many.
About halfway through the third period, Kings forward Adrian Kempe made a hit on Connor McDavid along the boards in the defensive zone, clearly slew-footing the superstar in the process.
Here is the play in slow-motion. We can clearly see Kempe extending his right leg well before contact is made, and he uses it to flip McDavid on his back with the hit.
Unfortunately, the on-ice officials missed the play and he was not given a penalty for it.
However, the NHL's Department of Player Safety is always watching, and they did not like what they saw in this contact.
As a result, they elected to fine Kempe for 5000 dollars, the maximum allowable under the CBA.
NHL insider Darren Dreger revealed just a few minutes before the decision was made final that the Department of Player Safety was in fact, looking at the play.
He also noted that a fine was likely, and he would not be suspended because he was not given a hearing. That is exactly what happened.
Kempe should be considering himself lucky he did not get a suspension this time.
If it happens again though, he will be considered a repeat offender and very likely will get a game or more.
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