Rick Tocchet, the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, has openly criticized the NHL following a controversial Game 3 incident. Tocchet insists that Edmonton Oilers' forward Zach Hyman should face suspension, similar to the penalty handed to Carson Soucy after the heated game.
The controversy erupted during Sunday night's game when Edmonton Oilers' captain Connor McDavid received two cross-checks. One came from behind by Nikita Zadorov, and the other struck his face by Soucy. Soucy received a one-game suspension, while Zadorov was fined $5,000.
However, Tocchet believes the NHL overlooked Hyman's cross-check in the same skirmish.
It's a scrum. Z got cross checked by Hyman after. I think there's a couple of incidents that George (Parros) and them are looking at right now. -Rick Tocchet
Tocchet highlighted the inconsistency in the NHL's disciplinary actions. According to him, both Soucy and Zadorov's hits were equally severe as Hyman's, and the decision to punish only two out of three was unfair. He hinted at a possible bias towards star players, questioning the league's impartiality. Despite the controversy, the Canucks are leading the series 2-1 and aim to further their advantage in Game 4 on Tuesday.
The ongoing debate about NHL's decision-making is far from over, with many hoping for more consistent and fair rulings as the playoffs continue.