Alexander Burmistrov returned to the Winnipeg Jets this season after a few years playing in Russia as a KHL player, so perhaps he forgot some of the NHL's rules. That's about the only explanation for his illegal check to the head of the Boston Bruins' best player on Thursday.
Alexander Burmistrov penalized for checking Patrice Bergeron in the head
That’s not allowed.
Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
The hit came late in the first period as the Jets patrolled around deep in the Bruins' zone. As Bruins center Patrice Bergeron turned to chase a puck, Burmistrov flew in and threw his elbow at Bergeron's head.
Bergeron was unhurt after the play, but he was upset enough about it that he immediately went after Burmistrov for retaliation. Both players got sent to the penalty box, though you have to wonder whether Burmistrov’s penalty will be given extra consideration by the Department of Player Safety after the game.
Burmistrov has never been suspended or fined by the league in the 194 games he’s spent in the NHL. In the last two seasons in the KHL, the young forward has tallied 63 points in 107 games.
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