Subban-Stone: Will incident create headache for NHL?
Interpretation of the rules could lead to 'gamesmanship'
The P.K. Subban, Mark Stone incident has been dissected by fans and analysts since the Montreal defenceman was ejected for slashing the wrist of Ottawa's rising star in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
However, the long-term repercussions from the play may impact the rest of the post-season, and beyond.
Subban was sent off because Stone was deemed to be injured after he went to the dressing room, which is within the referee's power according to NHL Rule 61.4: "The referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by slashing."
So, if a team wanted to take advantage of this rule, a fourth-line player deemed expendable could get "injured" and head to the dressing room. This may lead to the offending player getting a game misconduct.
Now we ask you.