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Mattias Ekholm Speaks Out About Dirty Hit From Eichel, Shares Referee's Explanation
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm took a very dangerous hit from behind from Jack Eichel, and after the game, he spoke up about the lack of penalty call and his conversations with the referee.
Ekholm took a dirty cross check from Jack Eichel late in the second period. It was a clear hit from behind, but somehow, no penalty was called.
In his post-game interview, Ekholm didn't shy away from openly criticizing the referees for the lack of a penalty, and also shared the explanation the referees gave the Oilers.
»Yeah, I don't know what to say. I think it's pretty self explanatory. The explanation I got was that he didn't think the cross check was that forceful. I kind of look at the whole picture, and obviously I think it's a penalty if I were to do that to somebody and get two minutes, I wouldn't say a word about it. It's a dangerous play.»
Ekholm continued to say that McDavid got an explanation from the referees during a timeout, but again, Ekholm insists the referees missed an obvious and dangerous penalty.
»What I heard from Connor right away was that he said it was a battle. I don't really see it as a battle I went out and asked, any explanation? I've had Francis for a long time, I respect him, but I think that he missed a call.»
This hit from Eichel is a textbook hit from behind, and it's unbelievable that the referees instead saw this as a puck battle.
Ekholm was heading into the corner with Eichel directly behind him, who delivered the cross check directly to the numbers of the Oilers defender. Even in minor hockey, kids know that's a dangerous area and a dangerous check.
It's simply an egregious non-call. The referees clearly saw the play, but somehow came to the conclusion that was a clean check - and that's an unacceptable application of the rules.
Thankfully Ekholm is okay after the hit and if anything, looked invigorated by the hit. Hopefully it's an event that can pull the Oilers together to play with more team toughness, and continue to respond as a team after a dirty hit like that.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 14 | 298 ANSWERS Mattias Ekholm Speaks Out About Dirty Hit From Eichel, Shares Referee's Explanation Do you think Jack Eichel should face discipline from Player Safety for this hit on Matthias Ekholm? | ||
| Yes | 246 | 82.6 % |
| No | 44 | 14.8 % |
| See Results | 8 | 2.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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