Game Overview
Following the Ottawa Senators’ 7-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken, a discussion erupted among analysts on Sportsnet regarding the conduct of Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven, specifically his cross-checking of Kraken player Jared McCann during the game’s third period.
Incident Analysis
Some panel members voiced that Kleven could face a suspension, emphasizing the seriousness of striking an opponent in the face with a stick. However, the commentary seemed to overlook the precise location of the initial sticks’ contact.
In reviewing replays, it appeared that Kleven’s stick initially made contact with McCann’s chest. The stick rode higher as McCann delivered his own cross-check, which likely contributed to the visual effect of Kleven’s stick approaching McCann’s chin. As a result, McCann reacted dramatically, snapping his head back, which sometimes can mislead viewers about the severity of the contact.
Penalty and Consequences
The incident led to Kleven receiving a five-minute major penalty along with a game misconduct. However, after the NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident, they determined that a suspension was unwarranted, opting instead to impose a fine of $4,166.67, the maximum allowed under the league’s collective bargaining agreement. This fine serves as a reminder for Kleven to adjust his playing techniques.
Context of the Game
Kleven seemed to be in an agitated mood even before the incident, particularly after Seattle narrowed the Senators’ lead to 4-2. The Kraken’s rookie Jacob Melanson taunted Kleven following a goal, provoking a heated exchange that continued throughout the match.
While losing Kleven for disciplinary reasons would typically be concerning for the Senators, Ottawa’s situation may require him to step up even more in the upcoming games. This is fueled by uncertainty surrounding the injury status of fellow defenseman Jake Sanderson, who left with a shoulder injury without any immediate updates from the team.
Additional Incidents
This contentious game also featured moments where McCann seemed to draw attention for exaggerating incidents, highlighted by an earlier play in the first period where Senators’ Shane Pinto was penalized for cross-checking. Pinto, maintaining his stance on the matter, was later seen laughing in the press box as he watched the replay.
Upcoming Challenges
The Senators are scheduled to face off against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night, adding to the urgency for both Kleven and the team as they adapt to their changing roster dynamics.
