Panthers Accused of Intent to Injure by Leafs Coach Sheldon Keefe
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe never holds back when he has something to say, and he was upset following game 4 of his team's second round series against the Florida Panthers.
Keefe told reporters that, as far as he's concerned, Radko Gudas was fully intending to injure David Kampf with a hit into the boards.
"I don't know exactly when the whistle blew, but...he knows the play has ended or is ending and, to me, that's a hit with no intention other than to hurt the player. There was a lot of violence to it, but happy Dave's OK."
This is the hit in question. Gudas drilled Kampf into the boards near his own net just as the referee was calling the play dead due to a penalty. Gudas would not be punished on the play.
Gudas has a Reputation
Gudas is well-known around the league for his rough style of play that walks, and occasionally crosses, the line of what is acceptable. He is very unlikely to give up on a hit once committed. There was no call on this play, and Gudas received no supplemental discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety, much to the disappointment of many Leafs fans.
Toronto will try to keep its season alive tonight when they face in Panthers in game 5 of their series. Florida leads three games to one.
| POLL | ||
Did Gudas deserve punishment for this play? | ||
| At least a penalty | 50 | 31.3 % |
| Penalty, and then fine and/or suspension | 69 | 43.1 % |
| No call was the right call | 34 | 21.3 % |
| Not sure | 7 | 4.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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