Former Leafs fan-favourite earns multi-game suspension for repeatedly striking a downed opponent

Published March 21, 2023 at 1:57 PM
BY RYAN SMITHERAM

After five seasons with the Leafs, Leo Komorov spent the last three years of his NHL career on Long Island with the Islanders before jumping to the KHL last season and to the SHL this season. Komorov was a different breed of European player when he entered the NHL, as he played with more of an edge than most. He wasn't afraid to get under an opponent's skin and engage in post-whistle scrums.

Earlier today, during a playoff game in the SHL, Komorov found himself in the middle of a lengthy scrum in the late stages of the second period. Komorov was held in a headlock for most of it but that didn't stop him from repeatedly punching a downed opponent in the ribs and head multiple times before being separated from the scrum.


Following the conclusion of the game, the SHL suspended Komorov for two games for his actions during the scrum. A suspension, let alone a two-game suspension, for punching a player in the ribs with your glove seems like it is a bit much. This seems like a routine occurrence in the NHL.


A very likeable guy off of the ice, you have to wonder what was said to him to make him snap like that against a downed opponent. Regardless, his actions didn't do his team any favours as they lost the game 7-2 and are now down 2-1 in their best of seven series.

POLL
March 21   |   216 answers
Former Leafs fan-favourite earns multi-game suspension for repeatedly striking a downed opponent

Are you surprised that Komarov's actions in this scrum earned him a 2-game suspension?

Yes, it wasn't enough to warrant a suspension11151.4 %
No, he shouldn't be hitting a guy who's down10548.6 %
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