Here is how Chris Kreider avoided a suspension by failing to throw Matthew Tkachuk's mouthguard into the crowd.
While it was amusing to see Chris Kreider throw Matthew Tkachuk’s mouthguard in the New York Rangers’ Game 4 loss, it almost led to something much more serious.
Many people think Kreider actually threw Tkachuk’s mouthguard into the crowd, but they are actually mistaken.
“I know it’s a hilarious story but it’s not true. Kreider did not throw Tkachuk’s mouthguard into the crowd,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said. “It went straight up and it landed on the ground. He may have been trying to do it but he failed in his attempt.”
If Kreider were to actually throw the mouthguard into the stands, he would have been suspended one game according to NHL rules.
“If he was trying to do it, he’s lucky he didn’t do it,” Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek said. “A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on a player who intentionally throws his stick or any part thereof or any object or piece of equipment outside the playing area. He saved himself a game misconduct on that one.”
The loss of Kreider would have been costly for the Rangers who are heading into a critical Game 5 matchup against the Florida Panthers with the Eastern Conference Final series tied 2-2.
The 33-year-old forward is yet to record a point in this series, but based on his playoff track record, he is due to score at any point.