Leo Komarov ejected for nasty head-shot on Ryan McDonagh (Video)
Ryan McDonagh returned to the New York Rangers’ lineup on Wednesday night in their loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He had missed four games after suffering a concussion at the hands – well, the gloved fist – of Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers.
On Thursday night in Toronto, McDonagh was hit in the head again. This time, the perpetrator probably isn’t avoiding a suspension.
Leo Komarov of the Toronto Maple Leafs picked the head of McDonagh with his elbow, raising his left arm up like a chicken wing and driving it into the right side of the defenseman’s head, earning a match penalty.
Another look:
Komarov was given a match penalty at 18:58 of the first period, and was ejected from the game at Air Canada Centre. The Rangers were given a five-minute power play, scoring on a goal by Derrick Brassard.
The play was immediately demonized:
McDonagh didn’t immediately leave for the locker room, staying on the Rangers’ bench. But he didn’t come out for the start of the second period.
It would be stunning if Komarov, who has never been fined or suspended, doesn’t get additional games from the Department of Player Safety. It’s a clear head-shot, combined with the Leafs forward taking more than a few strides to deliver it.
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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
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