No supplementary discipline for Mario Fischer

With HCB on a breakout while on the power play, while entering the neutral zone, HCB is skating with an angle considered in the penalty box direction, to draw VIC penalty killers to penalty box side of ice. As play progressed, VIC players did a good job of the read on the play and HCB did a good job of a drop pass to Gazley who alters the neutral zone lane, with speed to the players box side.

The direction of neutral zone movement is somewhat important, because this naturally causes a east/west skating pattern for VIC, while HCB wants to maintain a North/South direction. With 2 teams skating in opposing direction, the heightened awareness and probability of something occurring is increased (creating a heightened awareness).

As Gazley skated through the neutral zone and about to enter the attacking zone, it is assumed that Gazley did see and was aware of Fischer approaching and the skating lane Fischer maintained. As Gazley entered the attacking zone with a high rate of speed, immediately after crossing the blue line, Gazley did a drop pass. The drop pass is probable cause as to why Gazley may have altered his body position. Simultaneously with the drop pass, the left leg of Gazley extends straight out, which was most likely due to either stabilizing himself or preparing to alter his skating lane. Regardless, the extended left leg was the cause of leg-on-leg contact. The contact is considered incidental.

The PSC also determined in reviewing the incident that Fischer as a natural D’man knows that his play is in and around the blue line. Fischer skates in a position to minimize the skating lane of Gazley. In doing so, Fischer does slightly alter to his right to gain ice position to make contact. Instead of maximizing or taking advantage of, Fischer moves from his right-side lean into the check to a more upright position. Fischer also maintained a natural and normal right leg stance for skating and preparing for a check. It is determined that Fischer did not extend or alter his leg that would be considered a significant cause to the leg-on-leg contact.

After the PSC review, it is determined, although there was an apparent injury, there is no supplementary discipline required.

This video serves as a brief description of the incident and decision made.