NHL Department Of Player Safety Makes Ruling On Tyler Myers Hit

Tyler Myers laid a devastating hit on Joel Armia in last night as the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens continued their entertaining series. It was inevitable that the NHL Department of Player Safety would need to review the hit and they have come to a decision.

Myers will not be subject to discipline for his hit on Joel Armia. Although Armia's head was impacted and suffered a concussion, the direct point of contact was determined to be the chest. The referees reviewed the play during the game and called a match penalty. However, this is not factored into their decision as the referees are independent from the NHL Department Of Player Safety. Additionally, Armia's injury is not considered in this case as the head was not the main point of contact. The injury is only a factor when the delivery of the hit is contrary to NHL rules.

Here's the hit.

Joel Armia goes to the dressing room after this high hit from Tyler Myers. pic.twitter.com/OMZcCxVdOZ

— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) January 22, 2021

As I tweeted last night, my initial reaction to the hit in real time and one replay angle was the hit was a head shot. But after watching other angles, it was clear main point of contact was chest. Head was impacted, and the situation, as Julien described it, is ugly. But.. 1/5

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 22, 2021

I don't like a player making that hit down 6-3 with 2:28 to go in Game 2 of a three-game series--even if main point of contact was chest before head was impacted. But a legal hit by definition can't be suspended if you're going by letter of the law. 3/4

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 22, 2021

Anyway, to bring this full circle: the rules are the rules. If you feel the rules need an overhaul, you're probably not alone. If you feel the DoPS should be able to operate in more of a gray zone, that's understandable, but it obviously opens them up to even more controversy 5/5

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 22, 2021

Photographer: Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire