Tom Kostopoulos nailed Mike Van Ryn into the boards early in the Maple Leafs-Canadiens game. When I say he nailed him into the boards, I mean just that. He didn't just hit him like you see in every other hockey game... he absolutely drilled him.
After the hit, Van Ryn was taken to the hospital, and treated for a myriad of injuries, including a concussion, a gash on his forehead, a broken nose and a broken pinky, according to Globe and Mail.
One of the Maple Leafs' players (looked like Carlo Colaiacavo) immediately came to Van Ryn's defense and started swinging on Kostopoulos.
Kostopoulos claimed that the injuries were unintentional:
"I was just trying to get in on the forecheck and get the puck. I did not anticipate him turning. I hope he is all right. I know in my head I was not trying to hurt him."
Nice words, but the hit itself was absolutely vicious. It looks like Van Ryn may have faked him out at the last minute, but Kostopoulos was still flying across the ice with the intention of absolutely obliterating him. I guess it worked.
Anyone think Kostopoulos will be facing a fine and/or suspension for this one? Although I kinda see his point, it's hard to look at this video and think "accident". He's lucky Roger Goodell isn't the NFL commisssioner. He would have already been fined.
Tom Kostopoulos Mugs Mike Van Ryn [Fanhouse]
::cringes:: That was brutal. Poor guy has been having some serious rough times thus far.
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