Michael McCarron didn’t hold back on Monday night. The Minnesota Wild player spoke at the podium and said exactly what he thought about Josh Manson.
“He’s a dirty player. He clearly hit me in the face with the end of his stick. ” That’s what McCarron said, according to Michael Russo.
The 31-year-old continued, “I don’t understand how that isn’t a 5-minute penalty. The rule book states it’s a 5-minute penalty if someone hits you in the face with the end of their stick. ”
He’s correct about the rule. NHL Rule 58.5 mentions that if someone uses their stick like that, it’s a 5-minute major penalty plus a game misconduct, not the 4-minute minor penalty that was given during the game.
McCarron also disagreed with what happened during the play. “I hit him hard, and then he grabs me and pulls me down on him.” This is the opposite of what Manson said.
This creates a public disagreement between a fourth-line center and a top-four defenseman during the playoffs. They have two different stories, but the same video evidence, and one league office watching everything.
The Wild forward is using this situation to make his voice heard
McCarron is presenting his side to every reporter he can find, and it’s clear what he’s trying to do. The Department of Player Safety is paying attention.
The player, who has a salary cap hit of 900 thousand, has been a valuable part of the Minnesota Wild this postseason. He came into Game 4 with 4 points in 9 playoff games and a plus-2 rating.
He’s not a superstar. He’s not just about stats. He’s a supportive center who got hit in the face and left the room ready to stand up for himself.
The Wild matched his energy during the game. Minnesota won the match and evened the series at 2-2, making Game 5 in Denver really important for the playoff series.
Manson’s quote after the game, where he said he felt like hitting McCarron, is at the beginning of this video. The hearing has two players discussing the same play, and one of them has already said something they probably should have kept to themselves.
Jared Bednar needs to prepare for Game 5, unsure if his experienced defender will be playing. This kind of doubt affects how they get ready for practice.
The league will make a decision today or tomorrow. There are two players, two statements, and one choice to make.
The main issue is whether Player Safety sees this as a one-time thing or a recurring problem. This postseason keeps showing these kinds of situations.
The series starts up again on Wednesday in Denver. McCarron will be there. Manson’s availability is the big question this morning.
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