Days later we are still learning more about the Winter Classic held in Ann Arbor, MI. The latest news involves Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul.
It was during the first period of the New Year’s Day game that Lupul delivered a high cross-check to the unsuspecting Red Wings forward Patrick Eaves. Obviously in pain, Eaves dropped to the ice and later left the game and did not return.
Lupul received only a two-minute minor penalty on the play, but he and the Leafs were later told he would be required to participate in a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
While the Maple Leafs were fortunate that Lupul was not suspended, he didn’t get off without additional penalty. Lupul was fined for his cross-check in the amount of $10,000.
Nazem Kadri, Lupul’s linemate, was on the ice for the play and has watched replays as well. He doesn’t think the play was intentional saying “I know Joffrey’s not out there to hurt anybody, he’s a pretty innocent player, plays hard and clean.”
“Honestly it was just one of those things they were both battling, both bent over. I don’t even think Joffrey was looking at him at the time. It was, to me, pretty obvious that he didn’t really mean to do it.”
There may not have been an intent to injure on the play, but Eaves was injured. We found out today that he suffered a dislocated jaw which had to be reset.
“Everything’s good to go now,” Eaves said. “It was pretty uncomfortable with my jaw being the way it was; my teeth weren’t lined up. I was pretty sore right away. But it’s back in the right spot and feels a lot better.”
Fortunately for Eaves, he will be returning to the line-up tomorrow night against Dallas, and has experienced no concussion like symptoms.
