Sharks forward Kevin Labanc will have a hearing today with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety today for what the league called a slew-foot of St. Louis Blues center Tyler Bozak from the night before.
In the first period of Thursday’s game at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Bozak was chasing after a loose puck along the boards inside the Sharks’ zone to the left of goalie James Reimer. Labanc followed and nudged his right shoulder and his stick ahead of Bozak’s body as they closed in on the puck.
Labanc’s right leg was also positioned behind Bozak and when Labanc fell backward, intentionally or not, it caused Bozak to fall awkwardly into the boards.
Bozak remained on the ice momentarily but then got up and angrily went after Labanc, who was given a tripping penalty a the 8:59 mark of the first period. The Blues’ Brandon Saad scored on the ensuing power play, and St. Louis would go on to beat the Sharks 4-1.
Labanc said he was not purposely trying to take Bozak’s legs out from under him.
Labanc goes off for tripping. St Louis with the first PP of the game. St Louis has the #2 PP, Sharks with the #1 PK. #SJSharks #StlBlues pic.twitter.com/CyQUtU3OiA
— TEAL TOWN USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) November 19, 2021
“I think it was just a fast play,” Labanc said after the game. “I was just trying to go in and beat him to the puck and I think (Bozak) leaned on me and then we’re trying to create a battle and then we kind of ran into each other and I went down.
“It wasn’t anything intentional. I didn’t look at the replay of it, but I think just trying to battle hard and create a battle in the corner.”
The Sharks’ next game is Saturday at home against the Washington Capitals.
Please check back for updates to this developing story.
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