The International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships are underway in Czechia, with sixteen countries participating. However, during one game earlier today between Group A teams Canada and Finland, Bowen Byram slashed Jesse Puljujärvi between the legs, resulting in the Sabres defenseman's ejection.
This hit was in response to a prior, less obvious cup-check by Puljujärvi. This ultimately led to a game-misconduct and five-minute major penalty for Byram, and a two-minute roughing call on Pulljujärvi.
Fans watching the game are split on the calls given to each player. Many find the penalty disparity inappropriate, while others find any repercussions for these hits unnecessary.
Unfortunately for Puljujärvi, he had scored Team Finland's final goal before Byram's hit, with the final score of 5-3. Team Canada has now guaranteed their position in the quarter-finals.
Canada will play their next game tomorrow against Sweden, with Finland playing their match against Denmark the following day. With all teams vying to dethrone Czechia from the top spot, these will certainly be exciting games to watch.
POLL | ||
MAI 18 | 99 ANSWERS Bowen Byram slashes Jesse Puljujarvi in the most painful spot Was Bowen Byram's penalty for this hit on Jesse Puljujärvi appropriate? | ||
Yes | 42 | 42.4 % |
No, too long | 34 | 34.3 % |
No, too short | 23 | 23.2 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Adam Fantilli | 3 | - | 3 | |
Sidney Crosby | 2 | - | 2 | |
Tomas Hertl | 2 | - | 2 | |
Mark Jankowski | 2 | - | 2 | |
Mathieu Olivier | 2 | - | 2 | |
Brandt Clarke | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Dante Fabbro | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Warren Foegele | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Erik Haula | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Adrian Kempe | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Anze Kopitar | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Connor McMichael | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
John Carlson | - | 2 | 2 | |
Phillip Danault | - | 2 | 2 | |
Joel Edmundson | - | 2 | 2 | |
Kevin Fiala | - | 2 | 2 | |
Vincent Trocheck | - | 2 | 2 | |
Dmitry Voronkov | - | 2 | 2 | |
Zachary Werenski | - | 2 | 2 | |
Mika Zibanejad | - | 2 | 2 | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 64 | 44 | 16 | 4 | 92 | |
Capitals | 63 | 41 | 14 | 8 | 90 | |
Stars | 63 | 41 | 20 | 2 | 84 | |
Panthers | 64 | 40 | 21 | 3 | 83 | |
Golden Knights | 62 | 38 | 18 | 6 | 82 | |
Maple Leafs | 63 | 38 | 22 | 3 | 79 | |
Hurricanes | 63 | 37 | 22 | 4 | 78 | |
Oilers | 63 | 37 | 22 | 4 | 78 | |
Lightning | 63 | 37 | 22 | 4 | 78 | |
Avalanche | 64 | 38 | 24 | 2 | 78 | |
Conference | Cumulative |