Bruins' Liles Faces Disciplinary Hearing For High Elbow On Lightning's Kucherov
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Bruins defenseman John-Michael Liles has proven a valuable addition to the roster, but he may have to miss time after a hit he delivered in last night's win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Watch the play in the video above.
As Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov carried the puck into the Bruins' defensive zone, Liles squared him up and moved laterally for a hit. Unfortunately, Kucherov had his head down and was skating generally low to the ground, and Liles ended up hitting him in the head and face with his elbow and forearm.
Kucherov remained in the game after the hit, which did not draw a penalty. Liles said after the game that he had no malicious intent behind the elbow.
"I'm not trying to hit him up high. Most guys, I can't even reach their heads," said Liles. "[I was] just trying to do my job at the blue line, to step up and just get a piece of him. I didn't think my elbow came up high at all."
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The video certainly does not look like Liles had any intent to make contact with Kucherov's head. He did not leave his feet or move in an upward motion with his arm. The hit more resembles an ill-timed collision between helmet and elbow.
But on Wednesday afternoon, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Liles will meet with the league on Thursday regarding the hit.
CSNNE Bruins insider Joe Haggerty previously reported "rumblings" that Liles would face a hearing for what they reportedly say was an "unnecessary" hit that "made Kucherov's head the main point of contact."
The league may be obligated to discipline Liles if it truly wants to eradicate hits to the head from the game. However, considering Liles' lack of a track record of dirty hits, and the appearance of head contact that was more incidental than intentional, whatever punishment Liles may face for the hit would likely be minor.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
