NHL DoPS under fire after announcing Vegas’ Brayden McNabb hearing

TL;DR

The NHL's Department of Player Safety is facing criticism after announcing a hearing for Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights for his hit on Ryan Poehling of the Anaheim Ducks. The incident occurred during Game 5, resulting in a five-minute major penalty and Poehling leaving the game with an upper-body injury.

Key points

NHL DoPS announced a hearing for Brayden McNabb
Incident involved a hit on Ryan Poehling during Game 5
McNabb received a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct
Poehling left the game due to an upper-body injury

Vegas Golden KnightsAnaheim DucksNHL

The NHL Department of Player Safety is facing heavy backlash on Wednesday after announcing a hearing for Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb following his Game 5 hit on Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Poehling.

NHL Player Safety posted on X, writing, “Vegas’ Brayden McNabb will have a hearing today for interference against Anaheim’s Ryan Poehling.”

The incident took place at the 9:00 mark of the first period during Vegas’ 3-2 overtime win against Anaheim in Game 5 of the Pacific Division Final. McNabb stepped up near the Ducks’ blue line and delivered a heavy shoulder-to-chest hit on Poehling after the puck had already moved away from the play.

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Officials reviewed the sequence and handed McNabb a five-minute major for interference along with a game misconduct. Poehling appeared shaken up after the collision and needed help leaving the ice. He did not return due to an upper-body injury.

Soon after the NHL announced the hearing, reactions flooded social media from fans and analysts questioning the league’s consistency on supplemental discipline.

Fans question NHL Player Safety after Brayden McNabb hearing

Vegas-based outlet Sin Bin Vegas reacted by saying, “Looks like VGK may be without McNabb for at least one more game. Honestly very surprised by this. Do not see how this is a suspendable hit at all. Penalty, sure. Suspension, no way.”

Many fans also criticized the Department of Player Safety for focusing on McNabb’s hit while ignoring other physical plays.

One fan posted, “Great… let’s have a hearing for what should have been a 2-minute interference penalty. Meanwhile, Howden nearly gets his head taken off near the boards, and the refs in front of the play swallows his whistle.”

Q&A

What was the incident involving Brayden McNabb and Ryan Poehling?

Brayden McNabb hit Ryan Poehling with a shoulder-to-chest check after the puck had moved away, leading to a five-minute major penalty for interference.

What penalties did Brayden McNabb receive for the hit on Poehling?

McNabb received a five-minute major penalty for interference and a game misconduct for the hit on Poehling.

What is the significance of the NHL Player Safety hearing for McNabb?

The hearing will determine if McNabb will face further disciplinary action for his hit, which has drawn significant backlash and scrutiny.