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Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube makes his thoughts about Max Pacioretty's controversial hit on Jack Hughes extremely clear
The game between the New Jersey Devils and the Toronto Maple Leafs featured a massive hit as Max Pacioretty imepeded Jack Hughes. The incident caused controversy as there were differing opinions regarding how clean the hit was.
During a play in the second period, the puck had ricocheted off the side of the rink and Hughes seemed to be in possession of it, although it was a few feet away from him. He appeared to be still for a split second before Pacioretty absolutely obliterated him, flattening him to the ground.
There was confusion among both sets of players as no penalty was called and the puck was still in play. The game was eventually stopped as Hughes tried to get back on his feet. Devils players took exception to the hit and encircled the Leafs winger.
The hit was eventually deemed clean by the officials. The blow looked massive because of the height difference between the players with Pacioretty standing at 6'4" and Hughes at just 5'8".
Leafs manager Craig Berube commended the play, viewing it as a momentum-shifting moment that energized his team. He also acknowledged the importance of bringing physicality against a team like the Devils.
"We finally got some contact on somebody, which is good. If you are not going to take the body on this team and let them skate around all night, you are in trouble. It pumps guys up. It is a good, clean hit. We needed it," Berube said.
Devis coach Sheldon Keefe 'forgot' about Pacioretty's hit
Like his counterpart, Devils coach Sheldon Keefe had a similar understanding of the situation. He didn't pay much attention to the play, as it was considered a clean hit.
"I saw him hit Jack. It was not even a factor in the hockey game. I forgot it even happened," Keefe said.
Keefe had other things to worry about as the Leafs pulled off a gritty win in the end. Toronto were outshot 39-16, with just one shot in the first period, but still managed to win 2-1 in overtime. Auston Matthews won the game in an electrifying finish.
Their goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, had another outstanding night, saving 38 of the 39 shots on goal. With the win, the Leafs remained 2nd in the Atlantic Division behind the Carolina Panthers. The Devils are 2nd in the Metropolitan Division.
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