Myers
Even though a few of the Bruins, most vocally Johnny Boychuk, took issue with Buffalo defenseman Tyler Myers’ high hit on Boychuk behind the Sabres’ net Thursday night, Myers didn’t even realize the play was in the news, according to Sabres Edge.
“I was just playing the play hard,” the rookie told the media today after Buffalo’s practice. “I saw the scrum, and I thought he was digging for the puck. I just went to finish my check. I think it’s pretty safe to say my style is not to go in trying to hurt guys. I was just looking to finish my check.”
Here’s a look at the hit in question:
While Boychuk was obviously still emotional over the hit after the Bruins’ 2-1 loss in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Sabres, the rookie defenseman didn’t miss any time. And while the hit was borderline, the 6-foot-8 blueliner obviously has a little leeway, just like 6-9 Bruins defender Zdeno Chara, when it comes to hits up high against much shorter players. The Bruins might take a run at Myers Saturday in Game 2, but I wouldn’t expect anything to get too out of hand. The Boston Herald this afternoon reported that there won’t be a suspension for Myers.
I’m actually surprised more that the Bruins haven’t made more of an issue of the Thomas Vanek hit from behind on Blake Wheeler that was allowed by the officials. To me, that play was more dangerous and could’ve really cost the Bruins had Wheeler hit the boards the wrong way.
I’m a Sabres fan. Kaleta took a dive, or greatly embellished that hit from behind by Chara.
[...] Myers said this morning after practice that he was just "trying to finish" his check without the intention of harming Boychuck. The Boston Herald reported this afternoon that the NHL agreed with Myers: Sabre defenseman Tyler Myers will not be suspended for his high hit on Bruin defenseman Johnny Boychuk in Game 1 last night, according to a league official. The reasoning was that it was deemed "a hockey play" and Myers was not targeting Boychuk’s head. It also wasn’t clear whether Myers hit Boychuk’s shoulder before the head. [...]
[...] • Tyler Myers(notes) is blissfully unaware of the controversy over his hit on Johnny Boychuk(notes) on Thursday night. Oy, these kids today … [The Bruins Blog] [...]
If that’s not a shoulder-to-shoulder hit, then I don’t know what is. If Myers was only 6’2, he wouldn’t have even knocked this clown over.
that’s the biggest bunch of BS I’ve ever heard. Chara clearly cross checked Kaleta from behind. That’s umm why a penalty was called on it. Perhaps Myers should have been called for the hit, but clearly it was not intentional.
The ‘objectivity’ by you Bruins fans is, umm, admirable. lol
The Chara hit on Kaleta was clearly an embellishment. He kicked his right skate up so high, he nearly kicked Chara in the midsection. Had he not done the acting job, he might have had a right to cry foul after the play.
what about chara hitting kaleta from behind?
I agree. That shove from Vanek on Wheeler was chippy and dangerous. He rode Wheeler into the board with “26″ staring him in in the face the whole time.