Islanders: Barclay Goodrow derserve supplemental discipline from NHL

If Alex Killorn deserves a hearing for his hit on New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson, so does Tampa Bay Lightning’s forward Barclay Goodrow.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will have a hearing with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Alex Killorn for his dirty hit on New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson. Killorn was penalized for the pay with a five-minute major and a game misconduct.

Killorn’s hit was late, from behind, and was clearly meant to injure Brock Nelson. The punishment he received in-game was justified. With the hit happening 5:55 into the first period, Killorn basically missed the entire game for his actions.

Now the Department of Player Safety will decide if Killorn deserves extra discipline. While I think that’s a good idea for the DoPS to pursue this further, they also need to do more by going after Killorn’s teammate Barclay Goodrow.

What About Goodrow?

After Killorn’s hit, Nelson missed the rest of the first period and a portion of the second period. In Nelson’s first shift back on the ice after going through the NHL’s concussion protocol, Goodrow cross-checked Nelson in the back of the head and into the glass. Nelson once again fell to the ice clutching his head.

No penalty was called on Goodrow.

The officials clearly missed the interaction. That happens. And that’s where the DoPS needs to step in.

Alex Killorn has already been punished. Perhaps it’s not enough and he warrants more, but he’s basically received a two-game suspension* and the Isles received a five-minute major on the play.

*In the world of the DoPS one playoff game is basically the same as two regular-season games.

That’s a pretty steep price to pay for Killorn. If there is more discipline to come for that hit on Nelson, great. But Goodrow did not receive any discipline for his actions during the game. His actions were just as heinous as Killorn’s actions. The DoPS needs to step up and penalize Goodrow as well.