Canadian: Mike Hoffman in disbelief of Greer suspension

MONTREAL | Mike Hoffman received about fifteen stitches in his chin and nearly ten more stitches inside his mouth. The number 68 of the Canadian has a new face thanks to the dangerous sticking of winger AJ Greer of the Boston Bruins.

• Read also: Canadian: reassuring for the future

Two days after that incident at TD Garden, Hoffman is heartbroken over the decision by NHL Chief of Discipline George Parros to hand Greer a one-game suspension.

Hoffman posted a video on social media shortly after the suspension was announced to show his disagreement. With hours to go before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

“I did it because I didn’t understand the suspension,” Hoffman said. In my eyes, there is hardly a more vicious or dangerous blow than a cross-check in the face. I know the game moves fast and you don’t always have time to think. But the result is the result. »

“I received a cross-check in the face, he continued. This is unacceptable. For six or seven years, they preach the protection of players and they want to limit blows to the head. It wasn’t a check, but a slash. It’s frustrating. »

Hit in the face by Greer before a face-off in the first period, Hoffman returned to the game in the second period. He finished the game with a full grid. He will wear it again against the Blue Jackets.

“In my first appearance after the incident, I had a good chance to score, he replied with a smile. I felt involved in the game. But I felt discomfort. I didn’t breathe the same way, I wore a grill and I had trouble drinking. »

No message

If several players will apologize after a dangerous blow, Greer has not spoken to Hoffman. He didn’t send her a text message either. So it’s complete silence.

Asked if he’s spoken to Parros or NHL officials, Hoffman also said it’s been quiet on that side as well.

“I haven’t spoken to a single person,” he explained. I did not explain my version to the NHL. I think they would have benefited from hearing my side of the story. They may consider doing so in the future. »

“They probably have a disciplinary charter,” he continued. Such a blow is such a result. (Jeff) Skinner did a similar thing this year and he got three games. To me, that doesn’t make sense. It’s my opinion. »

In this 4 to 2 victory of the Bruins against the Canadiens, Greer received a penalty of five minutes in addition to being expelled from the game. There were just over two minutes left in the first period when the winger from Joliette took the shower.

During his scrum with reporters, Hoffman argued that the outcome of Greer’s suspension likely would have been harsher under other circumstances.

“The result of the suspension shouldn’t depend on whether I have a cut or a broken tooth,” he explained. The game is the game. If I hadn’t been cut, wouldn’t there have been a suspension? And if I don’t come back in the match, does he get more than one match? I don’t know. For me, action is action. »

The return of Jordan Harris

A lower-body injury on March 7 against the Carolina Hurricanes, Jordan Harris will return to the blue line after an eight-game absence.

“It was disappointing, especially to miss the game in Boston,” Harris said. I would have liked to participate. It’s hard not to play, you’re competitive, you want to be there, but congratulations to the guys, they didn’t have easy confrontations. »

Harris will form a duo with Johnathan Kovacevic for his return to action.