There are some things in hockey you just shouldn’t do.
Blocking a shot with your face is a good start but at least that’s to protect your goaltender. A tendy might find him/herself feeling a little furious, though, after witnessing this slapshot that took place in Finland’s second division. Forward Toni Leinonen came down on this opposing netminder and ripped a clapper basically in front of his face. We’re not exaggerating, there must have been a measly six feet between the two by the time the puck was actually shot.
Come on man!!!!
Okay, so there’s nothing in the rule book that actually prohibits a player from doing this. But imagine if that one hit him off the dome? Or the blade from the follow through clipped him in the head? Leinonen was really playing with fire on this one but hey, it’s tough to argue against his logic.
Besides… it’s not even the most dangerous looking breakaway we’ve seen. Can you recall when KHLer Vladimir Tkachyov literally tossed his stick like a javelin into the back of the net?
Uh… was that below the crossbar?
Let this be a lesson… only fire a howitzer that close when you’ve absolutely run out of ideas for a b-way. We’re sure you can find other moves to help you find twine.
(H/T Mestis)
