by Alan AdamsFiled under: Devils, Penguins, NHL Fans, NHL Economics, Sports Business and Media
You have to hand it to the NHL.
Having already delivered a stinging blow to the New Jersey Devils in the summer Ilya Kovalchuk saga that left the Devils staggered along the ropes, the NHL decided not to go for the TKO Monday when New Jersey dressed only 15 skaters for their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The collective bargaining agreement clearly states: "Except in case of emergency, there shall be no reduction of the required minimum Playing Rosters of the Clubs, below eighteen (18) skaters and two (2) goaltenders."
The Devils dressed nine forwards and six defencemen, which the math will tell you is under the minimum.
There was no emergency. Just horrendously bad management.
But the NHL has decided to turn a blind eye to the Devils shorthanded violation, saying it has happened before and could happen again.
And, perhaps, playing shorthanded this early in the season is punishment enough.
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