Discipline for Boston Bruins Max Jones announced after viciously slashing referee
In a match-up between the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, tensions flared as the two rivals met for the opening night of the NHL season.
The team has met before, twice in the playoffs and each time the Bruins were beaten swiftly by Paul Maurice's Panthers.
Jones and Panther's Forward Evan Rodrigues would engage in a scrum in front of the Bruins net, and Korpisalo.
In what seemed to be an innocent tussle, turned into something completely bonkers, as Max Jones would act recklessly.
So reckless, that he would end up slashing NHL referee Devin Burg after all was said and done with Rodigues.
The slash was with full force and intended for Rodrigues which thankfully didn't land on the Panthers forward.
But would instead land on an NHL official, which could be even worse for Jones, depending upon what kind of discipline the NHL has in store for him?
You'd think there'd be precedent for punishment correct?
We all know how Gary Bettman loves the Zebra Corps and their terrible on-ice officiating. But what of the punishment for harming an official?
If we go back to 2022 and look at a similar incident with Nathan MacKinnon, there was no discipline from the Department of Player Safety.
But should there be?
"The safety of our on-ice officials is, and has always been, of paramount importance to us. In this regard, we have always exercised a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any form of abuse of our officials. Last night, one of our officials was struck by a player with his stick immediately after a face-off. We immediately investigated the incident, and, having conferred with the on-ice officiating crew and the NHL's Officials' Association, it has been determined that the player's intention was not to strike the official, but, rather, to initiate contact with the opposing player. Given this conclusion, it has been determined that no further discipline is necessary. This decision should in no way be seen as a diminution of our steadfast conviction to protect our officials."
Arguably, George Parros and the DOPS are setting a bad precedent, as MacKinnon a notable superstar received not one iota of punishment, a fine, or nothing for slashing a ref.
Perhaps, players should learn to respect their surroundings and maybe Jones should at least sit a game, or take a percentage of his salary. Whichever hurts the most for the bottom-six forward.
Regardless, it's the NHL just continuing their laissez-faire policies which endanger their own employees.
