In Tyler Toffoli's 13-year NHL career, he's been a well-respected player in the NHL. While playing for seven different teams, Toffoli's 561 career points can help make him a solid player in the league at 33 years old. Toffoli's resume even includes a 2014 Stanley Cup championship with the Los Angeles Kings.
Throughout his career, Toffoli hasn't been viewed by many as a "dirty player." However, the Ottawa Senators may view that differently due to a recent play that many could view as dirty, but the NHL did nothing to Toffoli.
Toffoli not suspended nor fined for cross-check
Toffoli is now a member of the San Jose Sharks. In the Senators' 5-3 win this past Saturday against the Sharks, Toffoli found himself in the middle of controversy. With the Senators leading the Sharks 4-2 late in the third period, Toffoli cross-checked Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson in the back of the neck with his stick.
Toffoli's cross-check wasn't called a penalty by the referees. Not only that, the Sharks' Will Smith later scored on the powerplay and Sanderson would be shaken up on the play. The Senators were livid that a penalty wasn't called on the play. Luckily for the Senators, Michael Amadio scored an empty-net goal shortly after Smith's goal to ice the game preventing a Sharks comeback.
Toffoli's cross-check wasn't the first time a controversial play occurred during a Senators game this season. Last month, Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild was suspended for 10 games for his attempt to injure Tim Stutzle. But, Sens fans and the team may have been livid because Hartman's suspension was reduced to eight games.
Instead of a suspension being reduced, there's no suspension nor fine for Toffoli's cross-check at the moment. Some fans might be livid that even a small suspension wasn't slapped on Toffoli, but the games will go on with Toffoli not being punished. Toffoli played in the Sharks' game last night and scored a goal and a shootout goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What was a break for the Senators is that Sanderson didn't have to miss time with an injury. Sanderson played in the Senators' game last night against the Washington Capitals and recorded three assists in the loss. Sanderson and the Senators will return to action tomorrow night when they pay the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time this season at 7:30 p.m. ET at United Center.