The San Jose Sharks were fined $100,000 by the NHL this weekend after Doug Wilson criticized the league for suspending Raffi Torres.
Torres was suspended for the remainder of the Sharks’ playoff series against the Los Angles Kings for an illegal check on Jarret Stoll during game 1.
Wilson argued that Torres’ hit was legal and that the league had misinterpreted the rule.
After the suspension, Wilson said in a statement: “It is abundantly clear that this was a clean hockey hit … As noted by the NHL, Raffi’s initial point of contact was a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on an opponent who was playing the puck. He did not leave his feet or elevate, he kept his shoulder tucked and elbow down at his side, and he was gliding _ not skating or charging … It appears that the NHL has not only made an inappropriate application of this rule but is trying to make an example out of a player who is being judged on past events, one who has changed his game dramatically this season and taken only six minor penalties in 39 games.”
The league said that it issued the fine because of a policy that forbids teams from talking about disciplinary actions until 48 hours after the fact. CBS reports that the policy carries an automatic $25,000 fine. The league decided to fine the Sharks an additional $75,000 due to the “inappropriate nature” of Wilson’s comments.
Wilson has not commented on the fine yet.
The Kings won the first two games of the series but the Sharks came back with an overtime win last night.
Do you think the San Jose Sharks deserved a $100,000 fine?
