We don't necessarily know when he knew it was an accident.
He definitely knew that after the game during the press conference.
Although I immediately said last night that Perry shouldn’t have had to answer the bell, I agree with everything you say here, and in your previous posts.
It was an “it is what it is” moment. It doesn’t matter if you agree with Foligno. It was literally seconds after seeing a very frightening scene, where your captain was taken off the ice on a stretcher, and Foligno likely didn’t have the benefit of hindsight , of watching 40 different angles. He was probably more concerned with the well-being of Tavares.
Foligno, and Perry, both did what needed to be done and it was over. No running of players or cheap shots that could have escalated tensions quickly. Although the plays were a lot different, it’s much like the Edler hit on Hyman. The next game, Edler, who isn’t a fighter, took his shots from Simmonds and it was over.
I am not comparing the Edler and Perry “hits”. I am discussing the aftermath and the "code" that has been referred to. End it, leave no doubt, and get on with the game and the series.
This happened 10 minutes into what was already an emotionally-charged series. Hockey is a fast, split-second game. No one is to blame for what happened last night. It was clear that Perry and Price had some kind words for JT as he was being wheeled off the ice. It was a freak accident, but at the time, Foligno and Perry both knew what needed to be done.
Now both teams can focus on hockey.