Devils’ Patrik Elias hits Montreal’s Mike Blunden from behind; Shanaban? (Video)
Patrik Elias and Brendan Shanahan were once teammates with the New Jersey Devils. The current NHL senior vice president for player safety knows Elias is a player that doesn't usually play an injurious brand of hockey; in fact, he hasn't had a major penalty since 2001-02.
Now, that doesn't excuse this, mind you …
… but it does make one wonder how Shanahan will approach any supplemental discipline for a player with Elias's clean rep.
This hit by Elias on Mike Blunden of the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night drew a 2-minute boarding minor with 18:54 left in the first. Blunden returned for a shift in the second and then didn't return for the rest of the game.
"I don't know. There were a couple hits on our guys. [The official] said our guys turned when they saw a guy coming. It was the same way. I was on the inside position and he kind of turned into the boards. [The official] says he has to make that call anytime the [player's number's are facing] a player," he said. "I get it. I think maybe it could've been called both ways. It's tough."
Does this end up a suspension for Elias given the injury, or a fine given his reputation? Or nothing at all?
