Chris Kreider ejected for long-distance boarding on Jonas Brodin (Video)

Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers plays on the edge, and the referees determined he went over it against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night.

Kreider hit defenseman Jonas Brodin in the back several feet from the end boards, propelling him face-first. He was helped from the ice. Kreider was given a 5-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct.

That latter aspect of the penalty came under some scrutiny, but according to NHL rule 41.5, the nature of Brodin’s injury warranted it:

When a major penalty is imposed under this rule for a foul resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.

Now, did Brodin initiate contact?

There’s an onus on the player taking the hit not to put himself in a defenseless position, but that’s more in the “don’t turn your back to the hit” variety. Brodin appeared to be bracing for contact, and his actions here didn’t lead to the end result.

He was in a defenseless position and Kreider not only didn’t attempt to minimize contact, he gave him a forearm to the back.

Which is generally frowned upon.