Michael Bunting, a forward with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been suspended for the first three games of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a risky hit he made in Game 1.
Twitter users who follow the NHL and the Maple Leafs have strong opinions about the decision.
Several hundred Toronto fans demanded a suspension for the hit. On Tuesday's second period, Bunting elbowed Erik Cernak, a defenceman with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The duration of the suspension, though, comes as something of a surprise.
On Wednesday night, some Toronto fans voiced their displeasure to the NHL's Player Safety Department.
The chance was seized by some hockey fans to make light of the situation. Specifically, if the Maple Leafs are swept in the playoffs, the length of the punishment might coincide with the team's elimination.
Some hockey fans didn't appear to mind the suspension, despite the fact that the vast majority of fans expressed irritation or disapproval. Some even think the Maple Leafs will be better off with Bunting out of the lineup.
Because to Bunting's absence, some of Toronto's forwards will be swapped out for Game 2. Matthew Knies, a potential forward, is the most talked about of the new additions. On Wednesday, Knies participated in team practice.
Knies, a second-round pick in 2021, signed with the Maple Leafs in the nick of time. On April 10, he joined the National Hockey League, however he has yet to make his postseason debut.
On Thursday, Game 2 between the Maple Leafs and Lightning will take place. When the series moves to Tampa Bay, where the Lightning excel, a loss for Toronto would put them down 2-0.
Shockwaves have been felt all across Maple Leafs Twitter after Michael Bunting's harsh suspension.