What happened?
Adam Vingan, beat writer for Predators: Predators striker Arvidsson was incredulous after being penalized for taking down Merrill, the defender of the Red Wings, early in the second period. The repetition seemed to support his reaction. Predators television analyst Chris Mason came to call this a Merrill dive.
The Predators eliminated Arvidsson’s penalty and won 2-0, but the moment of the hot microphone hovered over the game.
What is the next?
Vingan: Replacement calls are an unspoken part of the game, but referees are rarely caught openly discussing them. The NHL is investigating the incident and it is not clear how Peel could be disciplined if the league did. To the credit of Predators coach John Hynes, he dealt with the situation diplomatically after the game, praising his players for not allowing the decision to affect them.
(Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)