Announcer hilariously rips Michael Bunting for diving mid-broadcast

Penguins' forward Michael Bunting entered the league as an older rookie, and developed a reputation as a pest on the ice, including towards referees with some embellishment.

Tonight, Nashville's play by play announcer hilariously ripped Bunting for diving right in the middle of the broadcast. Bunting got tangled up with Jason Zucker and went down easily, and the announcer didn't miss a beat to call it out.





Bunting broke out with the Leafs in his age 27 season in 2021-22, largely finding success because of his pest-like style of play, but his antics on the ice can sometimes go too far. After a poor stint in Carolina, Bunting has bounced back and had incredible success in Pittsburgh, scoring 6 goals and 16 points in 19 games. The Penguins are feverishly fighting for their lives in their last two games, needing to win both to have a chance at securing the last playoff spot.


However, this easy diving and selling calls sometimes can be a hindrance to long term success. According to prominent Leafs podcaster Adam Wylde a few days ago, Leafs management talked to the dressing room before deciding on not re-signing Bunting.

It's never a good look for NHL players to be diving to draw penalties, so it's always appreciated when they're called out right on the broadcast. This won't buy Bunting any good will from the referees, and hopefully he learns his lesson.