In a recent NHL match between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Colorado Avalanche, Jeff Carter hit Cale Makar with a blindside hit to the head. Makar was shaken up on the play but was able to return to the ice and finish the game.
After the game, Makar called out the referee, stating that the hit was “pretty blindside” and that the referee claimed that they “ran into each other.” Makar went on to say that he doesn’t believe this is possible as Carter was coming down the ice. The hit resulted in a pretty heated Cale Makar, who believed the Avalanche deserved a powerplay due to the hit, and he could of been seriously hurt because of the play.
Despite the controversy surrounding the hit, the Penguins went on to win the game 2-1 in overtime, thanks to a goal from Kris Letang. The win was a significant one for the Penguins, who are trying to hold on to their playoff spot. The Avalanche are also trying to get into a playoff spot, so this is certainly a tough loss for them.
The NHL is known for its physical play, and hits like this happen, but the debate surrounding this particular hit highlights the ongoing conversation about player safety and the role of referees in ensuring it, hits like this should not go unpenalized as potential head injuries are not something that should be taken lightly. The Avalanche have also been plagued with injuries, and the last thing they want is to lose their star defenseman.
The game was won by the Penguins which could have not happened had the Avalanche gotten that powerplay, but the positive side is Cale Makar was able to continue playing. The blindside hit from Jeff Carter and reaction of Cale Makar is one to remember when it comes to head contact in hockey. There have been many complaints about referees this season, and this just adds to the long list. Some fans are calling for player safety to suspend Jeff Carter for the play.
