NHL makes controversial decision on Mason Marchment's blindside hit on Jake McCabe

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Ryan Smitheram
February 8, 2024 (12:55)

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Jake McCabe was not happy with a late hit

Photo credit: NHL

Late in the second period of last night's game against the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe went into the corner to play a loose puck. After playing the puck he was blindsided by former Leaf Mason Marchment with a late, dirty hit. The hit left the ususpecting McCabe bloodied with a cut on his nose that required stitches. McCabe was furious with officials as he yelled at them during the rest of his shift and continued to scorn them from the bench after slamming his stick against the boards in frustration. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe was also unimpressed mouthing some inappropriate words towards officials.

Following the game, Keefe was asked about the play and what officials told him as to why it was not called.

"I see a vulnerable player who is targeted. I would have to think that is the type of hit you do not want to see in the game. He was bleeding everywhere. I am sure they are going to look at it. They thought it was a good hit."

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Mitch Marner was also asked about the play following the game and called it as "mind-boggling" that there was no penalty called. William Nylander meanwhile, echoed his coach's thoughts.

"It was obviously a dirty play, the puck wasn't even really close, so we're obviously upset about that non-call."

Keefe was also asked for his opinion on how McCabe handled the situation and had nothing but praise for the defenseman.

"Jake is an absolute competitor. For him in that moment to not lose his cool, and not lose his cool for the remainder of the game There were some confrontations between him and Marchment in the third period. Jake was hard on him and the team was hard on Marchment the rest of the way. I think Jake asked him for a fight. The fight didn't happen, obviously. Jake kept his cool and didn't hurt the team. As we are learning or have learned, Jake is an absolute competitor and warrior. I loved how he handled that."

McCabe was able to finish the game without issue and punished Marchment as often as he could when the two were on the ice together, including landing a big hit of his own on the Stars forward in the third period. While there was no penalty on the play, Marchment was fined this afternoon by the NHL the maximum allowable under the CBA, which was a mere $5K. McCabe will have a few days to let his nose heal as the Leafs don't return to action until Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Insider says Leafs open to moving 1st round pick in blockbuster trade

Leafs eyeing a trade with Central Division team?

Leafs reportedly working on multi-player trade

POLL
8 FEVRIER \| 666 ANSWERS NHL makes controversial decision on Mason Marchment's blindside hit on Jake McCabe Should Marchment have been suspended for his late, blindside hit on Jake McCabe?
Yes, ugly hit	567	85.1 %
No, routine hit	39	5.9 %
Too close to call	60	9 %
LIST OF POLLS