Controversy has erupted in the hockey world as the NHL’s Department of Player Safety finds itself under intense scrutiny following a series of questionable disciplinary decisions during the heated playoff battle between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.

The fallout from Game 4 at Montreal’s Bell Centre has left fans, players, and analysts alike questioning the fairness and consistency of the league’s approach to player discipline. While several Canadiens and Capitals players were handed fines for relatively minor incidents during pre-game warmups, some believe that the league’s biggest star, Alex Ovechkin, escaped punishment for similar actions.

This perceived double standard has sparked outrage across the hockey community, with many calling into question the motives and transparency of the NHL’s disciplinary process. As debate rages on talk shows and social media, the league’s credibility is being put to the test, and many are demanding answers and reform.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The NHL Department of Player Safety has stirred up a lot of controversy during this series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.

Let’s recall that the discipline committee, led by George Parros, announced four sanctions yesterday due to events that took place during the warmup session at the Bell Centre ahead of Game 4.

As we explained, even though Xhekaj technically did not respect Gary Bettman’s warning, it was really nothing major..

Anyway, TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie pointed out an interesting detail.

Alex Ovechkin should have been the only player sanctioned for what happened during warmups, according to Renaud Lavoie

Here are his explanations.

“The National Hockey League went into the wallets of Arber Xhekaj and Dylan McIlrath on Monday (without any explanation), even though Alex Ovechkin should have been the only one fined.”

TVA Sports

On Jean-Charles Lajoie’s show, Renaud highlighted a video sequence where you can clearly see Ovechkin making contact with Arber Xhekaj at center ice during warmups.

“I don’t understand why Xhekaj is getting a fine.

I don’t understand why McIlrath is getting a fine.

I don’t understand why the Canadiens and the Capitals are getting fined over trivialities!”

Renaud Lavoie

And he adds:

Especially since in the footage, you can clearly see Pierre-Luc Dubois and Ovechkin both putting their skates into the Canadiens’ half of the ice. […]

“He has no business being in the Canadiens’ territory, and yet he’s not fined.”

“I asked the NHL the question, and of course, they don’t give me an answer.

It’s a bit embarrassing [for the NHL].”

Renaud Lavoie

Finally, much like all of us, Renaud Lavoie laments that the NHL sanctions trivial incidents happening during warmups, which have absolutely no consequences, while letting dangerous head hits and cross-checks to the face slide.

“It’s a bit embarrassing for the NHL”: Alex Ovechkin should have received a fine [TVA Sports].

Where’s the logic?

Let’s hope the league can quickly correct course.

To see the footage and Renaud Lavoie’s full commentary: