Tomas Kopecky got a match penalty for punching Michael Del Zotto in the face after taking a stick to the head late in Florida's 4-1 loss to the Rangers.
Rangers coach John Tortorella said it was ''a cheap shot. With no honor.''
Kevin Dineen said Del Zotto got exactly what he deserved.
Looks like Del Zotto knew a fight was coming and Kopecky's punch connected. If there's a real cheapie in there, how about Mike Rupp punching Kopecky as he's getting off the ice?
Alcoa: You make the call.
UPDATE: Kopecky spoke with NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan early Saturday and will not be suspended for his actions Friday. He will face an at this time undisclosed fine.
Dineen added that there hasn't been a decision made on the Rangers just yet.
Enjoy the video folks.
Congrats to Mike Weaver for his contract extension!
Posted by: EJ | December 31, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Wow, the NHL really blew it on this one. They're in the midst of a concussion epidemic and they decide Kopecky's sucker punch isn't suspension-worthy? I'm dying to hear Shanahan's explanation regarding this one.
Posted by: Kevin | December 31, 2011 at 01:13 PM
Kevin, you must be a Ranger fan. Stick to the face and chop to the head of Kopy, doesn't draw your ire. Maybe if the officials blew the whistle to stop play for that they could have saved the rest of the incidence that ensued.
Posted by: coop | January 01, 2012 at 01:34 PM
I was at the game and the stick to the head was sloppy stick-handling not malicious and unworthy of a sucker punch. Teamwork and looking out for your team is a must, however, fair is fair and Rupp deserves a penalty, too. Shanahan dropped the ball on this one.
Posted by: Murph | January 03, 2012 at 10:35 AM
Dont try to deffend del zotto he chopped down on his hed then procced to crosscheck him. Del Zotto had it coming
Posted by: Ryan | January 04, 2012 at 03:32 PM