Mr Viral
The series between the CH and the Capitals has been the talk of the town in recent days, due to the physical play between the two teams. There’s a lot going on, and the NHL even got involved before Game 4 to tell everyone to calm down a bit.
Tom Wilson makes it sound like he didn’t get the message… but I digress.
And clearly, the league is trying to tighten the screws. Arber Xhekaj and Dylan McIlrath have, like their respective teams, been fined for causing trouble during the warm-up period.
And that disgusted some people, including Chris Nilan… who was quick to criticize Commissioner Gary Bettman:
Gary Bettman is making the NHL the wimpiest league in history. – Chris Nilan
Hee Haw pic.twitter.com/GPLuwjqSPI
– Chris Nilan (@KnucklesNilan30) April 28, 2025
We know that Nilan has made a career out of his physical game, so it makes sense to see him preaching to the choir. For him, it’s all part of the game.
And he can’t believe that the NHL is cracking down on guys who look a little out of place during a warm-up.
Especially since today’s fines seem to have been handed out in a somewhat random fashion. As Renaud Lavoie noted on JiC tonight, Alex Ovechkin and Pierre-Luc Dubois also crossed the red line during the warm-up… but they weren’t fined.
Double standards?
Did the NHL protect the Capitals’ captain? https://t.co/904eGJiK4d
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 28, 2025
According to Nilan, Tom Wilson’s check on Alexandre Carrier was a legal act. He didn’t like the way the referees (whom he affectionately calls “donkeys” and “clowns”) called a penalty on Josh Anderson (when he had a run-in with Wilson)… and he doesn’t like the way Bettman handles it.
At least he’s consistent in what he says… even if we agree that’s not what Bettman wants.
In a gaggle
– Speaking of referees.
This league just can’t go public and say it cares about the health and safety of its members.
Ridiculous. https://t.co/CFOzGjNaPP
– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) April 29, 2025
– He’s still effective despite his 39 years.
As intense as ever! https://t.co/EAbdGifo9W
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 29, 2025
– Ah well.
A new challenge for Shaquille O’Neal in the NCAA! pic.twitter.com/4nqZgMHn1i
– RDS (@RDSca) April 29, 2025
