I think I am OK with the in person hearing for Spezza play. It was clearly a predatory hit, and really just a dumb play by Spezz. That said, this play never happens if the f***ing refs get a handle on the game. It's f***ing complete garbage.
Same shit happened with the last Kadri suspension in 2019. Boston ran around doing whatever they wanted in that game 2. Debrusk then throws a dirty hit on Marleau into the dasher that doesn't get called, and Kadri reacts accordingly. Why does Debrusk throw that hit? because he knows it won't get called.
If you don't call the clear and obvious penalties, the players will begin to police the game themselves.
Spezza will miss time, Pionk will miss time, countless other players and coaches will be fined, yet the officiating crew who let this shit f***ing happen collect their paycheques and have zero consequences.
It's absolutely mind numbing to me.
Honestly, Good on Spezz. I'm not a fan of the hit Spezz made, but I love the intention behind it. Pionk needs to understand there is consequences for his bullshit. This isn't the first time that clown has taken a suspect run at our guys. He's going to have to keep his head up next game, because the benefit of the doubt is out the f***ing window.