Very interesting game last night between the Wild and Jets. Winnipeg came in looking to punch their playoff ticket, while the Wild try to find their compete game heading into the dance. . Even before last night's Wild loss, there was very little chance that they were going to move up to either gain home ice advantage in the first round or even more remote was the Central Division title. However they have been playing some uninspired hockey of late so to see them ratchet up that level with some nastiness was at least a good sign.
Ryan Hartman delivered a reverse check on Nikolaj Ehlers just after dishing the puck. Hartman was assessed a minor for interference, which was the right call as he no longer had the puck. As Hartman explained he was bracing himself as Ehlers was closing in on him. That may be true and we will never know if Ehlers intended to hit Hartman, but he certainly did not deviate his path either.
Hartman was then jumped as is customary when any big hit happens legal or not, these days. Ehlers did not return to the game and now Hartman will have a hearing to determine if any supplemental discipline will be forthcoming.
Neil Pionk delivered a wicked cross check to Marcus Johansson that drew a five minute major, with under a minute to play. That resulted in a fine for Pionk, but Johansson appeared to be injured fairly seriously on the play.
Hockey is a dangerous clgame and as the stakes ratchet up the intensity levels do as well
We will have to wait and see just what the fallout is for possible suspension to Hartman and lost time for Johansson and Ehlers, if any.