Wotherspoon intentionally removing the helmet of Knies – Tough Call Recommendation
Parker Wotherspoon was issued a minor penalty for roughing – helmet removal on Matthew Knies. Under the Tough Call system this comes with an automatic $2,500.00 fine.
I don't disagree at all with the fine, but I do with "nothing going on until" the helmet removal. This would've absolutely been nothing if Knies had simply backed away from the net area. Instead, he escalated as Wotherspoon was pulling him away. That's a bop with a grab that turned a typical frozen-puck "Let's get away from the goalie" into the little tiff it became. I totally understand the automatic roughing for helmet removal and agree, but the escalator should get one too, so I have to agree with the Penguins on this one. Even for those who believe in game management theory, I think offsetting minors would've been the way.
So, I know you're very consistent on the fines for removing helmets, so I'm curious. To you, does that still apply if its an actual "dropped the gloves" fight? Or does that change it, since both parties kinda know what they're signing up for?
3 Comments
Lol – gotta prepare for the fight to come.
I don't disagree at all with the fine, but I do with "nothing going on until" the helmet removal. This would've absolutely been nothing if Knies had simply backed away from the net area. Instead, he escalated as Wotherspoon was pulling him away. That's a bop with a grab that turned a typical frozen-puck "Let's get away from the goalie" into the little tiff it became. I totally understand the automatic roughing for helmet removal and agree, but the escalator should get one too, so I have to agree with the Penguins on this one. Even for those who believe in game management theory, I think offsetting minors would've been the way.
So, I know you're very consistent on the fines for removing helmets, so I'm curious. To you, does that still apply if its an actual "dropped the gloves" fight? Or does that change it, since both parties kinda know what they're signing up for?