Video: Blackhawks' Connolly Ejected For Interference

 

In Saturday night's contest against the Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks Brett Connolly was handed a five-minute major and game misconduct for interference after he hit Tanner Kero when the latter didn't have possession of the puck. Kero also left the game on stretcher following the hit, but has since been deemed as "conscious, alert and responsive."

Update: Tanner Kero is conscious, alert and responsive. He’ll be transported to the hospital for precautionary measures and evaluation.

— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) December 19, 2021

Due to the fact that Kero was injured so badly as a result of the hit, it isn't surprising in the slightest that Connolly found himself ejected. Before the hit, Alexander Radulov dumped the puck out of the zone. Although Kero was near the puck, it was clearly in the air along the boards and there was no chance that he was going to be able to corral it. Thus, there was no need for Connolly to throw this hit. 

It will be interesting to see if Connolly receives a suspension of some kind from this play. It's very difficult to predict what NHL Player Safety will do, as they aren't necessarily famous for consistency. Although Connolly has never really been labeled as a dirty player, some sort of punishment feels necessary, especially with Kero getting injured from the play. 

Alas, here's to hoping Tanner continues to feel better and can get back on the ice soon.