Late Saturday, the NHL decided to rescind a game misconduct penalty against Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic on Saturday in the B's 4-3 loss the the Vancouver Canucks.
Lucic originally received the penalty in the first period when it appeared to leave the bench and get involved in an on-ice scuffle between Boston and Vancouver. However, it was determined that Lucic did not come off the bench, but was instead trying to get to it in a line change.
"The referees reacted to what they saw," NHL director of officiating Terry Gregson said. "The only player they saw coming from the bench area from either team was Lucic. But with the benefit of replay, we can see that Lucic had previously entered the ice over the boards legally to join the play and actually was contemplating stepping back onto the bench through the door when the altercation ensued." (via WEEI)
According to NHL rules, a player may not leave the bench to got involved in a fight on the ice or they will be automatically disqualified and subject to a 10-game suspension. However upon review, NHL officials determined Lucic did not violate the rules.
"It should be further noted that a review of the video confirmed that all players on both teams involved in the altercation had entered the ice legally for the purpose of joining the play. None entered the ice for the purpose of joining or starting an altercation, which is prohibited by Rule 70." (via WEEI)
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