MONTREAL | Mike Hoffman received about fifteen stitches in his chin and nearly ten more stitches inside his mouth. The number 68 of the Canadian has a new face thanks to the dangerous slashing of winger A.J. Greer of the Boston Bruins.
Two days after this incident at TD Garden, Hoffman has on the heart the decision by NHL Prefect of Discipline George Parros to issue a one-game suspension to Greer.
Hoffman had posted a video on social media shortly after the suspension was announced to show his disagreement. With hours before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he wasn't afraid to speak his mind.
“I did it because I didn't understand the suspension,” said Hoffmann. In my eyes, there is hardly a more vicious or dangerous blow than a cross-check in the face. I know the game moves fast and you don't always have time to think. But the result is the result. »
“I received a cross-check in the face, he continued. This is unacceptable. For six or seven years, they preach the protection of players and they want to limit blows to the head. It wasn't a check, but a slash. It's frustrating.
Hit in the face by Greer before a face-off in the first period, Hoffman returned to the game in the second period. He finished the game with a full grid. He will wear it again against the Blue Jackets.
“In my first appearance after the incident, I had a good chance to score,” he replied with a smile. I felt involved in the game. But I felt discomfort. I didn't breathe the same way, I wore a grid and I had trouble drinking.
No message
While several players are going to apologize after a dangerous blow, Greer has not spoken to Hoffman. He didn't send her a text message either. So it's complete silence.
Asked whether he spoke with Parros or the NHL executives, Hoffman also said it was silent on that side as well.
“I haven't spoken to a single person,” he explained. I did not explain my version to the NHL. I think they would have benefited from hearing my side of the story. They may consider doing so in the future. “
” They probably have a disciplinary charter, he continued. Such a blow is such a result. (Jeff) Skinner did a similar thing this year and he got three games. To me, that doesn't make sense. It's my opinion. »
In this 4-2 win by the Bruins against the Canadiens, Greer received a five-minute penalty in addition to being expelled from the game. With just over two minutes remaining in the first period, the Joliette-born winger took to the showers.
During his scrum with reporters, Hoffman said the result of the suspension to Greer would probably have been more severe under other circumstances.
“The result of the suspension should not depend on whether I have a cut or a broken tooth,” he explained. The game is the game. If I hadn't been cut, wouldn't there have been a suspension? And if I don't come back in the game, does he get more than one game? I don't know. For me, action is action. »
Return of Jordan Harris
Injured to the lower body on March 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan Harris will regain his place at the blue line after an eight-game absence.
“It was disappointing, especially to miss the game in Boston,” Harris said. I would have liked to participate. It's hard not to play, you're competitive, you want to be there, but well done to the guys, they didn't have easy confrontations. »
Harris will form a duo with Johnathan Kovacevic for his return to the game.
The probable formation of CH
RHP-Suzuki-Hoffman
Drouin-Dach-Gurianov
Ylönen-Evans-Gallahger
Pezzetta-Tierney-Belzile
Matheson- Savard
Edmundson-Barron
Harris-Kovacevic
Montembeault