Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy wasn't ejected for his high check on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson late in the second period of Game 6 on Monday night.
Charlie McAvoy gets two minutes for an illegal check to the head on Josh Anderson.
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) May 7, 2019
Woah.
DOPS will also take a look at that. pic.twitter.com/nhuuiHGhXL
McAvoy was instead assessed a two-minute minor for a hit to the head.
Jody Shelley, who’s working between the benches, just said in an interview broadcast throughout the building that the referees told the #CBJ bench that they didn’t see the hit.
— Tom Reed (@treed1919) May 7, 2019
Retired referee Kerry Fraser explained the decision officials faced.
Only options for Refs is 2 minute minor or Match Penalty (deliberate intent) for Illegal Check to Head. When rule implemented NHLOA wanted it this way given the inconsistency of suspensions in this area & rescinded game misconducts Refs called. Preferred to let DPS handle it.
— Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) May 7, 2019
Anderson left following the hit but returned for the third period.
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