Everybody knows theres a superstar caste system in place within the NHL, and the unseemly side of it was on display in Game 2 of the playoff series between the Bruins and Capitals.
Its been a largely clean, honest series between the two Eastern Conference combatants thus far, but Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin went over the edge when he took exception to a hard hit from Dennis Seidenberg in the first period. Ovechkin has been the target for both Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara whenever the Caps sniper is on the ice, and apparently hes tiring of it.
Because Ovechkin finished off the exchange by throwing a cross-check into Seidenbergs face that went uncalled by the referees on the ice. Both players simply skated away and play resumed without incident.
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After the Bruins had dropped the game, 2-1, in double overtime, Seidenberg didnt seem to much care about the non-call. Thats not surprising given the hits and punishment Seidenberg is able to absorb without even flinching.
Stuff happens like that. Guys lose their temper and I mean it wasnt really losing temperit was just a little cross check, said Seidenberg. I didnt really think about it so its not a big deal to me.
Claude Julien said it was the second cross-check to the head area executed by the Capitals in two games, and thats something the Bs coach wants to see cleaned out of the series. Whether the league deems worthy of slapping Ovechkin on the wrist for targeting Seidenbergs hit remains to be seen, but it doesnt seem likely given that the German defenseman was able to walk away from the exchange.
This is the second crosscheck in two games: David Krejci got cut below the nose by the crosscheck in Game One, and now the one to Seidenberg. Theres absolutely nothing we can do about it except that theres no call on the play. Whether they missed it or not, it could be, said Julien. Then the league has a second opportunity to review it. Youve got to let them do their jobs. Those, to me, are extremely dangerous things that we keep talking about wanting out of the game. Ive seen suspensions from that before, but well the let the league take care of it. Well focus on what we have to do to win the next game.
The Jay Beagle butt-end to Krejcis face that Julien referenced from Game 1 did result in a double-minor penalty when it drew blood, but its clearly a much different situation when it involves No. 8 from Washington.