Injury to Patrik Laine: Arber Xhekaj is fined by the NHL
In the match on Saturday night, Patrik Laine received a very dangerous blow to the knee and had to leave the game on one leg.
He then left the Bell Centre later that evening on crutches, with a brace on his left knee. It's clear that it's serious and that his season could be compromised.
Shortly after the incident, Arber Xhekaj went after Cédric Paré, who was responsible for Patrik Laine's injury. Paré went into turtle mode and clearly did not want to face his actions.
While we expected a reprimand for the Maple Leafs defender, who clearly took out Laine's knee, it's actually Arber Xhekaj who has just been fined.
I believe the fine is well-deserved, as Xhekaj shouldn't have jumped on him like that, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth that Cédric Paré is getting off scot-free.
I understand that it wasn't intentional, but players are responsible for their actions, even when it's an accident. He clearly took out Laine's knee, and even if he won't play in the NHL, he should also be punished, or at least the Maple Leafs should be.
I take this opportunity to urge people not to take their anger out on Cédric Paré. He caused a significant injury with a dangerous play, yes, but he doesn't deserve all the hate and threats he has received. Canadiens fans are better than that.
