Rangers fined for public statement following NHL's weak Tom Wilson punishment

GM Jeff Gorton, president John Davidson have since been fired

5/6/2021, 5:12 PM
Rangers GM Jeff Gorton and team president John Davidson
Rangers GM Jeff Gorton and team president John Davidson

The Rangers have been fined $250,000 by the NHL after their public statement against NHL Department of Player Safety head, George Parros, following the weak punishment of Capitals RW Tom Wilson

"Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a League executive will not be tolerated,” said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in his own statement. “While we don’t expect our Clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable. It is terribly unfair to question George Parros’ professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety.”

Everyone on the Rangers, from head coach David Quinn to the players, weren't pleased by the league's decision to only fine Wilson the maximum $5,000 instead of hitting him with a suspension after his roughing call against Pavel Buchnevich and body slam of Artemi Panarin, which now has him out the rest of the season. 

And what ensued last night at Madison Square Garden, with a combined 141 penalty minutes and numerous fights in the first five minutes of the game, shouldn't have come as a surprise with Wilson allowed to play.

The Rangers lost 4-2 to the Caps at Madison Square Garden in the heated game. 

Buchnevich will have a hearing Thursday with the Department of Player Safety following his high sticking penalty against Anthony Mantha

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