Just this past weekend, the Toronto Maple Leafs were involved in a controversial incident when Ryan Reaves delivered a high hit that led to his five-game suspension. On Wednesday, it was Matthew Knies who was on the receiving end of a controversial hit, but this time, no penalty was called.
The Leafs faced the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. With 12:01 remaining in the second period, forward Matthew Knies skated through the neutral zone with the puck. Knies clearly didn’t see Zach Whitecloud ahead of him, and the Golden Knights defenseman stepped up to deliver a big hit.
High hit on Matthew Knies
Whitecloud made clear contact with Knies’ head. It also appeared that the Vegas defenseman lifted his feet before making contact, angering Leafs fans. Knies made his way to the bench, with several teammates, including Simon Benoit, coming to his defense, taking Whitecloud down to the ice.
Officials reviewed the hit for a major penalty but ruled it a clean check. Apart from the roughing penalty Whitecloud received in the incident with Benoit, he wasn’t penalized for the hit. Knies didn’t return to the game, with the Leafs citing an upper-body injury. Post-game, head coach Craig Berube did not provide further updates on Knies’ condition.
Sportsnet panel slammed for their take
Fans on social media were divided about the hit, with many recalling Reaves’ high hit on Darnell Nurse last week that resulted in a five-game suspension. Some argued that Whitecloud deserved an ejection and even a suspension, while others viewed it as a clean hit.
Panelists on Sportsnet’s broadcast largely agreed it was a body check and that Whitecloud didn’t leave his feet as he worked through the hit.
However, some fans were quick to criticize Sportsnet’s analysis:
“They literally spent 20 minutes the other day saying the onus is always on the hitter, but now it’s ‘gotta keep your head up,’ lmao,” one said.
“What they’re saying and what I’m seeing with my eyeballs are… not the same thing,” another added.
“It was comical watching them try to explain how it wasn’t a head shot while showing a head shot,” a third remarked.
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