Ottawa Senators defenceman Dion Phaneuf has never been shy about throwing open-ice hits, but his attempt on Buffalo Sabres rookie Sam Reinhart nearly caused a riot Friday night.
Midway through the third period of a 3-1 Sabres victory, Phaneuf lined Reinhart up for a hit at the Buffalo blue line. Even though it appeared as though Phaneuf missed or merely grazed Reinhart he was assessed two minutes for an illegal check to the head.
When the play was blown dead Phaneuf was given an additional two minutes for roughing after defending himself against Zach Bogosian, who jumped Phaneuf and got a double-minor for roughing of his own.
Following the game, Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma told reporters he wanted Phaneuf to receive a major for the hit.
“I haven’t seen [the replay] but he got him in the head,” Bylsma said. “I’m only disappointed they called a two-minute, not more.”
With the NHL trying to eradicate headshots from the game, some wondered if the league would review the play. According to Sportsnet’s John Shannon, however, that is not the case.
