Bruins' McAvoy given minor for headshot on Jackets' Anderson
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 When rule implemented NHLOA wanted it this way given the inconsistency of suspensions in this area & rescinded game misconducts Refs called.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.