“It’s a tough play,” Leafs deliver ‘good news’ on Matthew Knies after controversial hit by Zach Whitecloud, fans react

Matthew Knies rests on a positive note while fans question the NHL for not suspending Zach Whitecloud for the controversial hit.

“It’s a tough play,” Leafs deliver ‘good news’ on Matthew Knies after controversial hit by Zach Whitecloud, fans react

Zach Whitecloud and Matthew Knies [Image Credit: NY Times]

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud will not be penalized or suspended by the National Hockey League. The NHL explained in a statement video how Whitecloud made contact with his body and not his head.

The two points where the NHL can suspend a player are – if the player intentionally makes contact with the head where it was avoidable and the head was the main point of contact. Neither of those applied to this case and it was dismissed.

YouTube video

Fortunately, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies seemed to be “feeling okay” and is expected to recover soon. Coach Craig Berube said it’s “good news” that the injury was not as bad as it seemed and Knies is in the process of recovering.

FS Video

The incident took place during Wednesday’s game against between the Knights and Leafs in the second period. Initially, two on-ice referees called a major game misconduct penalty on Whitecloud but rescinded it after reviewing. 

Later, Maple Leafs defenceman Simon Benoit roughed up Zach Whitecloud and was issued a double minor while the latter a minor for the clash. Despite the upsetting situation, the Leafs took it as a motivation to win the game with a 3-0 record.

It’s a hockey hit. It’s a clean hit. I think it’s a tough play. I mean, he’s in a vulnerable position a little bit. The guy was [chasing] him from behind. It’s a tough play. It is. But it’s hockey. I mean, that’s part of the game.

Craig Berube as per Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.in.
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Several Leafs’ players were “pretty p*ssed” for the hit but moved on with a win for their injured teammate too. Whitecloud not getting a call from the NHL raised several questions but the outcome is already announced.

Social media reacts to NHL not suspending Zach Whitecloud for controversial hit

Several fans compared Zach Whitecloud’s hit with Ryan Reaves’ recent take on Edmonton Oilers’ Darnell Nurse and LA Kings’ Tanner Jeannot’s hit on Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser. While Reaves and Jeannot got suspended, Whitecloud got off with no warning signs.

Zach Whitecloud
Zach Whitecloud [Image Credit: Yardbarker]

This made many compare and question the NHL for their call. However, they explained their reason and how the comparisons differed in these scenarios. Even former NHLer Paul Bissonnette called the hit a fair play and asked fans not to criticize the player for it.

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Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed how the team needs him back with 100% health as soon as they carry on with their 2024-25 journey. With a “good news” report, fans are hoping to see him on the ice soon.