As they fight for their playoff lives in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals faced a tough test on Thursday visiting the Boston Bruins. In a scoreless first period, two obstacles were put in the Caps' way.
Starting goaltender Tomas Vokoun, who has battled a groin injury this season, left the game with 1:35 left in the opening period and did not return. Minutes earlier, Washington went down a forward when Jason Chimera was ejected after this hit on Adam McQuaid of the Bruins:
Chimera was given a five minute major for charging and a game misconduct. It was later announced that McQuaid would not return to the game. What McQuaid doesn't need is another head injury given his history.
Now is it worthy of supplemental discipline? Chimera's had a clean record over his career that we know of. That turn by McQuaid right before contact could be a big factor in the decision made by the Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety. It's been explained in other decisions that any last-second movements/turns by a player getting hit will be a key point in whether or not a player received discipline or not.
Does Chimera have enough time to adjust himself as McQuaid begins to turn? It appears not. Also, as the video shows Chimera stops his stride at the paint and his momentum takes him into McQuaid.
Do you believe Chimera should be handed a fine or suspension?
UPDATE: After the game, both coaches defended the hit.
Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy