According to the Department of Player Safety, Patrick Maroon will have a hearing today after delivering a high hit on Drew Doughty in last night’s debacle against Los Angeles.

While there’s little doubt in my mind that Pat Maroon didn’t intentionally aim to hit Doughty in the head, this is the exact kind of hit that the NHL is trying to get out of the game. As he’s gliding towards the goalline, Maroon’s shoulder makes first contact with Doughty’s melon and it sent the defenceman’s head whipping back like he’s Willow Smith. Now, one might argue that Doughty sold this hit (unlikely) a little bit but having a hearing announcement this early on in the day makes me feel like we’re going to be without Maroon for at least a game. How many games will he get? We shall see.

I wonder if the fact that Doughty returned to the game for the start of the next period will play into Maroon’s favour? Will the NHL safety judges use that a means to be lenient? Will they throw the book at young Patrick? I’m guessing he gets one game. What say you?

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