WATCH: Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane handed one-game SUSPENSION for dangerous cross-check on Jared McCann

Following his cross-check on Jared McCann, Andrew Mangiapane of Calgary Flames has been handed a one-game suspension by the NHL Player Safety department.

WATCH: Flames forward Andrew Mangiapane handed one-game SUSPENSION for dangerous cross-check on Jared McCann

A snap of the incident between Andrew Mangiapane and Jared McCann from the game (Pic Credit: AP)

The past few days for the NHL have been tough regarding the incidents off the ice field. The tragic passing of former NHLer Adam Johnson has raised several questions regarding player safety. The league’s rules regarding this were once under the spotlight when Andrew Mangiapane was assessed for an attempt to injure Jared McCann on Sunday.

During the game between the Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames, tempers seemed to have flared between the two players. It all happened in the first period when Mangiapane’s shot was blocked by McCann. This led the Flames forward to cross-check him. With his neck exposed, things could have gone way worse. Mangiapane attempted not one but two cross-checks on his opponent.

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He was then given a five-minute penalty as McCann left after just eleven minutes. The NHL Player Safety later announced that the action would be reviewed. They have now found his actions punishable worthy. However, as it was not a forceful blow, he was handed a one-game suspension only.

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This is also the first time Mangiapane has been suspended or fined in his long NHL career so far. All these factors could be the reason he was shown some leniency from the league.

Struggling Flames set to miss Andrew Mangiapane for one game

The 2023-24 season is not going the way the Calgary Flames wanted. Their record in the Pacific division is only better than their rivals, the Edmonton Oilers and the struggling San Jose Sharks. The team is now going to miss Andrew Mangiapane, one of their star player this season for one game.

Andrew Mangiapane
Andrew Mangiapane (Pic Credit: The Canadian Press)

Despite what happened in the game against Seattle Kraken, Mangiapane has been one of their best players this season. He is the second in the scoring charts for the team with seven points (four goals and three assists). His services are likely to be missed when the Flames take on the Nashville Predators in their next matchup.

He is now the second player from the Flames to be suspended this season. Their defenceman Rasmus Andersson was handed a four-game suspension for his actions against Patrik Laine of the Colombus Blue Jackets earlier this season.

The debate that is now ongoing is the length of suspension Mangiapane received. Could the league have imposed a much stricter punishment despite this being his first offense? Fans on social media are highly against him and want strict action from the department for this moment of madness by the Flames forward. It will be interesting to witness the reaction he receives from the opposition next time he is on the field.

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