FTB: Leafs easily handle the Lightning while Bunting gets handled by an Official

Michael Bunting scored a big goal last night, and was also controversially shoved off the ice.

The Maple Leafs absolutely crushed the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, winning 4-1 and looking like they could do that against them any day. Here’s our full recap of the game:

It was quite the festive night, even before the game started.

However, there’s yet another unfortunate defenceman injury from the game.

Jordie Benn is waiting in the pressbox, and if Sandin’s injury is serious he may be swapped in to play in Thursday’s game. Speaking of that game, remember it starts at 2:00 p.m. ET against the Flyers here in Toronto.

There’s also a minor controversy over the actions of NHL Official Dan Kelly during last night’s game who used what appears to be excessive force to remove Michael Bunting from the ice, even though he was not resisting leaving. Bunting is a bit of a firecracker, but this seemed excessive. There’s a poll below on your thoughts.

There is chatter the NHL will look in to this, though there will likely be no public comment about it. NHL Officials have their own separate union and it would be handled through the terms of their deal with the league, and only if the NHL decides to pursue it.

Linesman Shoves Leafs’ Bunting Off Ice After Altercation – Scouting the Refs
Linesman Dan Kelly went from breaking up an altercation to nearly initiating one, shoving Toronto’s Michael Bunting as he escorted him off the ice.

Marlies

The Marlies defeated the Willkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 5-2 last night, playing in their final game before the Christmas break. They will be back in action for the traditional Boxing Day matinee, played at the Scotiabank Arena against the Belleville Senators.

Marshall Rifai is making a name for himself this season. Yes, he’s already 24 and I’m not saying he’s going to make the NHL as a late bloomer, but as a player who was never drafted, and only initially offered a Try-Out Contract, he has certainly exceeded expectations and cemented his place in the Marlies defence. He is from Montreal, but instead of playing junior hockey in the QMJHL, he went to Harvard where he played on the team with Leafs draft pick Nick Abruzzese.

Other News

Grandfather of Maple Leafs defenceman among condo shooting victims – CBC
The grandfather of Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Victor Mete was among those killed in a mass shooting in Vaughan, Ont. on Sunday.

Hockey Canada’s investigation of alleged 2018 group sexual assault is complete – CBC
The new chair of Hockey Canada’s board of directors, retired judge Hugh Fraser, released a statement saying the investigator — Henein Hutchison, a law firm known for its criminal defence work — has delivered its report on the allegations. The board is “still being briefed,” said Fraser, adding he is not revealing what the investigation found.

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