Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green was visibly furious after his team's 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night at the Canadian Tire Centre, a defeat that was overshadowed by a controversial hit that forced star defenseman Jake Sanderson out of the game.
Green's Outburst Over Missed Call
With 12:37 remaining in the second period, Sanderson took a direct elbow to the head from Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall. The officials assessed only a two-minute minor penalty for an illegal check to the head, a decision that left Green seething.
"It's pretty obvious why he left the game," Green said. "I just don't understand why there isn't a five-minute major called on the hit to the head. It's a blatant hit to the head. Those are the kinds of hits you don't want to see. It was ridiculous; there wasn't a review."
Green emphasized the severity of the hit, stating, "It's a direct hit to the head." He expressed hope that the NHL's Department of Player Safety would take a second look at the incident and potentially issue supplementary discipline.
Impact on the Senators' Defense
The Senators finished the game with only five defensemen after Sanderson's departure. The team had just gotten Tyler Kleven back from a broken jaw, but losing Sanderson, their top blueliner, was a significant blow. "It's not fun," defenseman Thomas Chabot said. "Seeing him go down the tunnel isn't good. He plays such big minutes. The way he plays, there is no other Jake Sanderson, so it's a big loss for us for sure."
The expectation is that Sanderson will not suit up for Game 4 on Saturday afternoon. If he enters concussion protocol, he may not return for the remainder of the series, even if the Senators manage to extend it.
Frustration with Officiating
Green's frustration extended beyond the Sanderson hit. Later in the game, officials reviewed a potential spear on Brady Tkachuk, resulting in a minor penalty to Tkachuk. "They called Brady on a penalty that I don't even know what the penalty was," Green said. "They totally miss a review where I wouldn't be shocked if there isn't a review by the league on that, and something is done."
The NHL's Department of Player Safety reviews all incidents, and a decision on potential supplemental discipline is expected by Friday morning.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
The Senators, who trail the series 3-0, face an uphill battle. With Sanderson likely out, the club may insert rookie Carter Yakemchuk into the lineup for Game 4. Yakemchuk could provide a boost to a power play that has gone 0-for-12 in the series. Game 5, if necessary, is scheduled for Monday night in Raleigh.
