Flyers Media Accusing Canadiens of Propaganda Campaign
Early in the second period, Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi was tossed out of the game for running Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim into the boards in the neutral zone. Sanheim was cut on the play, and Kotkaniemi was assessed a 5 minute major for boarding and a game misconduct.
Later on in the game, however, Flyers defender Matt Niskanen delivered a cross-check into the face of Brendan Gallagher in the corner of the Flyers' zone. Gallagher appeared to lose some teeth on the play, though no penalty was called on the play.
When interviewed about the hit, Alain Vigneault firmly defended Niskanen's actions. Here is Eric Engels' tweet with Vigneault's full quote:
"Let's see what happens this afternoon. But in my estimation, Gallagher got up and seemed fine, he was talking to the referees. The whole time he was on the bench, he was talking to our players...I don't think it's Nisky's fault that he's taller than a bunch of guys" Vigneault
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) August 20, 2020
Despite Vigneault's quote, reporter Arpon Basu mentioned that Gallagher is suspected to have fractured his jaw on the play, and the Canadiens announced that Gallagher would need to undergo further testing by team doctors.
This morning, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Niskanen would have a hearing for the hit, and the Canadiens responded by submitting a social media video as evidence of the intent to injure on the play.
Ouch 😐 pic.twitter.com/R0lja9mofZ
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 20, 2020
In response to this, Flyers writer Charlie O'Connor has made the claim that the Canadiens are "begging" for Niskanen to be suspended on the play. He points out the report by Basu as a leak to prove to the Department of Player Safety that Niskanen broke Gallagher's jaw.
Do you believe Niskanen should be suspended on the play? Comment below.
Photo Credit: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportsware
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