Willie Mitchell’s Questionable Fighting Tactic

(photo credit: Dinur Blum)

Saturday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Florida Panthers was about as eventful as they come. After the first period alone, there were 15 penalties between the two teams; Pens: 8, Panthers: 7. The game ended with an incredible 76 penalty minutes and 27 penalties.

A fight between Kris Letang and Willie Mitchell really stood out, though. Why was it so significant and a big discussion amongst the league? Late in the fight, after Letang lost his helmet, Mitchell uses it as a weapon of his own. While the refs are trying to separate the two men, Mitchell takes things into his own hands and whacks Letang in the head.

You can view the whole fight here:

Whether or not the officials saw the unorthodox fighting method is up for discussion due to the fact that they issued 5 minute major fighting penalties to the two involved, without any acknowledgment of the questionable tactic.

After review from the league, though, there might be a heftier penalty than initially dished out. The indiscretion could lead to a fine or even a suspension from the league.

What do you think about the blow to the head? Should Mitchell be given a fine or even a suspension? Let’s hear what you think!