Kings' Jordan Nolan Throws Least Sneaky Sucker Punch of All Time
There’s no underestimating Jordan Nolan’s sneakiness. He’s not much for subtlety.
The Los Angeles Kings center rocked Edmonton Oilers winger Jesse Joensuu in the face Sunday night after a hard hit.
According to Pat Iversen of SB Nation, Nolan’s punch came as retaliation to a hit Joensuu put on Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty near the Kings’ net.
Nolan’s sucker punch was far from stealthy, and it sent Joensuu staggering.
According to James O’Brien of ProHockeyTalk, Nolan received a double-minor penalty for the punch and could be looking at a fine or suspension as punishment.
It’s difficult to see how this situation ends without further comment from the league.
Nolan looked directly at a referee, said something and proceeded to drop fists on a defenseless player. If that’s not a blatant middle finger to authority, I don’t know what is.
This wouldn’t be the first time Nolan escaped trouble, however. Earlier this season, the 24-year-old enforcer dropped a crushing, open-ice check on Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Rostislav Klesla.
The NHL walked fans through the situation with video analysis and explained why the incident was a hard—but not illegal—hit.
As for Nolan’s sucker punch, it’ll be difficult for them to talk this one out.
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