At the 6:37 mark of the second period during their game against the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for boarding Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov.
Mintyukov was dumping the puck into the Leafs' zone as McMann was attempting to finish his check in what should have been a routine hit. The dump-in forced Mintyukov to turn at the last second which caused McMann to hit him more on the back of the shoulder, which sent Mintyukov into the boards face-first. McMann was immediately challenged by former Leaf Ilya Lyubushkin in what was a short fight.
Following the game, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was asked about the hit and major that McMann had received. Keefe did not like the call and felt as though McMann was unfairly ejected for what should have been a routine play had Mintyukov protected himself as he should have.
Thus far, here has been no word from the NHL Department of Player Safety as to whether or not McMann will face supplemental discipline. In 15 games with the Leafs so far this season, McMann has 1 goal, 4 points, 21 hits and has averaged 9:16 of ice-time per game.
