MONTREAL | Mike Hoffman received about fifteen stitches on his chin and nearly ten more stitches in his mouth. The Canadian’s number 68 gets a makeover thanks to the dangerous sticking of Boston Bruins winger AJ Greer.
• Also read: Violent counter-check: Mike Hoffman, who was hit, is not satisfied with the suspension of AJ Greer
• Also read: Canadian: reassuring for the future
Two days after that incident at TD Garden, Hoffman is heartbroken by NHL head of discipline George Parros’ decision to suspend Greer for a game.
Hoffman posted a video on social media shortly after the suspension was announced to show his disagreement. Hours before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
“I did it because I didn’t understand the suspension,” Hoffman said. In my eyes there is hardly a more brutal or dangerous blow than a countercheck to the face. I know that the game develops quickly and you don’t always have time to think. But the result is the result. »
“I received a cross check on my face,” he continued. This is unacceptable. For six or seven years they have been preaching player protection and want to limit blows to the head. It wasn’t a check, it was a slash. It’s frustrating. »
Struck in the face by Greer before a faceoff in the first period, Hoffman returned to the game in the second period. He finished the game with a full grid. He will wear it again against the Blue Jackets.
“I had a good scoring opportunity in my first appearance after the incident,” he replied, smiling. I felt involved in the game. But I felt uncomfortable. I didn’t breathe the same way, I wore a grill and I had trouble drinking. »
No message
When multiple players apologize after a dangerous shot, Greer hasn’t spoken to Hoffman. He didn’t text her either. So it’s total silence.
When asked if he spoke to Parros or NHL officials, Hoffman also said it had been quiet on that side as well.
“I haven’t spoken to a single person,” he explained. I didn’t explain my version of the NHL. I think they would have benefited from hearing my side of the story. You might consider this in the future. »
“They probably have a disciplinary code,” he continued. Such a blow is such a result. (Jeff) Skinner did something similar this year and he got three games. That doesn’t make any sense to me. It is my opinion. »
In the Bruins’ 4-2 win over the Canadiens, Greer received a five-minute penalty in addition to being banned from the game. There was just over two minutes left in the first period when the Joliette winger took a shower.
During his tussles with reporters, Hoffman argued that the outcome of Greer’s suspension would likely have been harsher in other circumstances.
“The outcome of the suspension shouldn’t depend on whether I have a cut or a broken tooth,” he explained. The game is the game If I hadn’t been cut, wouldn’t there have been a ban? And if I don’t get back into the match, does he get more than one match? I don’t know. For me, action is action. »
The return of Jordan Harris
Jordan Harris sustained a lower body injury against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7 and is returning to the blue line after eight games.
“It was disappointing, especially missing the game in Boston,” Harris said. I would have liked to take part. It’s hard not to play, you’re competitive, you want to be there, but congratulations to the lads, they didn’t have easy confrontations. »
Harris will form a duo with Johnathan Kovacevic for his return to action.
The likely formation of CH
RHP Suzuki Hoffman
Drouin-Dach-Gurianov
Ylonen-Evans-Gallahger
Pezzetta-Tierney-Belzile
Matheson Savard
Edmundson Barron
Harris-Kovacevic
Montembault