The NHL bends the rules to help MacKinnon avoid suspension
I think we all know if Brad Marchand did what Nathan MacKinnon did, he'd be getting tarred and feathered. Gary Bettman and NHL Player Safety would have rolled him into the hearing as if he were Hannibal Lecter. But that isn't the case with Nathan MacKinnon.
On Monday in the game against the Bruins, MacKinnon slashed a linesman in the leg after losing a faceoff. Under NHL rule 40 any abuse of an official results in a 3, 10 or 20 game suspension depending on the severity, but I guess they forgot to add in the star player clause.
Today the NHL issued a statement on MacKinnon's stick swinging absolving him of all fault.
"The safety of our on-ice officials is, and has always been, of paramount importance to us. In this regard, we have always exercised a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any form of abuse of our officials. Last night, one of our officials was struck by a player with his stick immediately after a face-off. We immediately investigated the incident and, having conferred with the on-ice officiating crew and the NHL Officials' Association, it has been determined that the player's intention was not to strike the official but, rather, to initiate contact with the opposing player. Given this conclusion, it has been determined that no further discipline is necessary. This decision should in no way be seen as a diminution of our steadfast conviction to protect our officials."
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