NHL Department of Player Safety correct not to take further action against Derek Ryan
There was some suggestion Derk Ryan could receive disciplinary action following his collision with Nils Hoglander by the benches during game two in Vancouver.
There were plenty of talking points which emerged from game two of the Edmonton Oilers versus Vancouver Canucks second round playoff series, on Friday night. Chief among them was Leon Draisaitl recording four points after questions about if he would even play, and of course the Oilers stealing home-ice advantage thanks to a dramatic 4-3 win in overtime.
However, another talking point which came from an intense game at Rogers Arena, involved the Oilers' Derek Ryan and Nils Hoglander of the Canucks. More specifically, an incident between the two alongside the benches at the beginning of the second period:
Derek Ryan spears Nils Hoglander in the mid section #Canucks | #LetsGoOilers
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) May 11, 2024
📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/mcZwPp8V6a
At the time both players were assessed minor penalties - Ryan for slashing against Hoglander, and the Canucks forward for interference versus his Oilers' counterpart. However, there are those who believe Ryan should have received followup disciplinary punishment.
The official line was that Ryan speared Hoglander in the mid section. Unofficially, that he caught him between the legs with his stick.
No further discipline for Ryan
irrespective of how the incident is termed, Canucks fans will be unhappy that Ryan has not been punished further. As per Irfaan Gaffar of Sportsnet, he received no discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety.
In one respect, there's no denying there was contact made by Ryan on the unfortunate Hoglander. However, you have to respect the NHL Department of Player Safety, who would not have taken their decision lightly.
The reality is that Ryan should have received a major penalty at the time, but the chances of subsequent punishment was always unlikely. Worst case you can make an argument that he could/should have been fined, but suspending him for a game would have been too harsh of a punishment.
Next. Don't put Leon Draisaitl injury narrative on the Oilers. Don't put Leon Draisaitl injury narrative on the Oilers. dark
In any event, the 37-year-old will be available for the Oilers on Sunday night, having so far played four games in these playoffs, averaging 8:27 of ice time on the fourth line and providing one assist. This is his third season with the Oilers, after previously spending three NHL seasons in each of Carolina and Calgary.
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