That's Adam Larsson, who, in fairness, doesn't have a rep for that sort of thing. And he did pay a price, since referee Furman South's arm was raised right away for a cross-checking minor that'd be negated when Bryan Rust scored with the extra attacker.
But tell me why that's a minor. And tell me why Larsson won't receive any supplemental discipline from the NHL, not even a wrist-slap fine. The puck's nowhere near the scene, there's no real duel occurring in front of the Seattle net and, most relevant, I'd say, Sidney Crosby's completely blindsided by it.
Sid's fine. I checked. Bit of a stinger.
Really, what did that add to the game? Or to anyone's experience watching it?
Forget, if it's possible, that this was Sidon the receiving end. And his concussion history that always has him extra-edgy about stick contact, as can be seen with some clear invectives spewed on his way down the tunnel to be checked out.
There's no plus to any player of any caliber at any level being cross-checked, much less across vital areas such as the spine or neck, where they're most commonly delivered. And even after the league made an emphasis on calling cross-checks before the 2023-24 season, stuff like this is still far too routine.
Now, having said all that, don't get me started on nobody from the Penguins doing a damned thing about it all night. Because that sure wouldn't be beneficial to the local living legend, not to mention the team's chemistry, camaraderie and all that, right?
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THE ASYLUM
Dejan Kovacevic
5:14 am - 01.15.2025UptownDrive to the Net: Ban this now
This recurring feature's probably my favorite thing to write for this venture, as I've forever loved the little things that make hockey what it is.
I hate this:
That's trash.
That's Adam Larsson, who, in fairness, doesn't have a rep for that sort of thing. And he did pay a price, since referee Furman South's arm was raised right away for a cross-checking minor that'd be negated when Bryan Rust scored with the extra attacker.
But tell me why that's a minor. And tell me why Larsson won't receive any supplemental discipline from the NHL, not even a wrist-slap fine. The puck's nowhere near the scene, there's no real duel occurring in front of the Seattle net and, most relevant, I'd say, Sidney Crosby's completely blindsided by it.
Sid's fine. I checked. Bit of a stinger.
Really, what did that add to the game? Or to anyone's experience watching it?
Forget, if it's possible, that this was Sid on the receiving end. And his concussion history that always has him extra-edgy about stick contact, as can be seen with some clear invectives spewed on his way down the tunnel to be checked out.
There's no plus to any player of any caliber at any level being cross-checked, much less across vital areas such as the spine or neck, where they're most commonly delivered. And even after the league made an emphasis on calling cross-checks before the 2023-24 season, stuff like this is still far too routine.
Now, having said all that, don't get me started on nobody from the Penguins doing a damned thing about it all night. Because that sure wouldn't be beneficial to the local living legend, not to mention the team's chemistry, camaraderie and all that, right?
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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