Tampa Bay Lightning Goaltender Ben Bishop Gets Speared By Brandon Prust (Video)
Feb 1, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec (14) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
If the rest of the Bolts Nation is anything like me, they are absolutely seeing red right now. During a television time out late in the second period, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop got into an unpleasant “interaction” as he was speared in the no-no place by Montreal Canadiens right wing Brandon Prust.
Anyone who is watching today’s matinee from the Bell Centre knows that anywhere there has been drama today, Prust has not been far behind. He took a penalty in the opening minutes of the game when he decided to go toe to toe with Lightning defenseman J.P. Cote after a rather large, yet perfectly legal, hit.
As we said, during a television time out, Bishop skated out of the crease (as they usually do). For some unknown reason, he was approached by Prust. At this point, no one knows what kinds of words were exchanged; however, we do know that what happened next was nothing short of childish. Prust decides that it was pertinent to spear Bishop in the no-no place with his stick.
Bishop reacts much like any man would; he drops his stick and introduces Prust’s face to his glove.
As Chris Dingman said on Sun Sports following the conclusion of the period, I find it amazing that Prust was only called for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. If you ask me, I see Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Roughing, Fighting, Instigating, a Game Misconduct, and the possibility of facing Supplemental Discipline.
In case you missed the exchange, here is a look at how things went down.
In the end, both Bishop and Habs goaltender Carey Price were both called for 2 minutes for Leaving the Crease, Prust was assessed 2 minutes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, and Lightning defenseman Radko Gudas and Habs RW George Parros were both assessed a 10 minute misconduct.
Personally, I think the more important question here is where were the referees? This should have never been allowed to happen. This went on for far too long before someone stepped in.
However, that is truly another story for another day. The important thing is that Bishop, who is fresh off an injury during the game against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, was not injured in the interaction.
What did you think of the exchange between Bishop and Prust? Do you think the NHL Department of Player Safety should review the incident for any sort of Supplemental Discipline in this matter, or do you think this has all gotten a little out of hand? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think.
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