Rasmus Dahlin Accused Of Cheating In Buffalo's Win Over Montreal

The Buffalo Sabres 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 was marred by comments from the broadcast crew from ESPN. One of the commentators accused Sabres Captain Rasmus Dahlin of cheating during the game.

Buffalo Sabres Captain Accused Of Cheating

The accusation came in the 2nd period when Dahlin was hit in the face with a high stick that drew a penalty. In the NHL, if blood is drawn on a minor penalty like high-sticking, an additional two minutes is added to the penalty time, making it a 4-minute penalty instead of two.

The commentator mentioned that Dahlin was trying to reopen an old wound to draw blood so that the Sabres could get an additional 2 minutes on the power play.

Of course, that would be illegal. In the end, the blood drawn on Dahlin was fresh, and the officials did award a 4 minute powerplay for the Sabres.

I will be honest that when I was watching the game, that comment irked me. The players are playing their hardest and doing everything they can, within the rulebook, to win the game, and to be accused of cheating is dumb.

I expected that the national broadcasters would have more respect for the players than to accuse them of cheating.

The series between Buffalo and Montreal is now tied at two games apiece. Game 5 is set for Thursday Night back at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

Pics From Party In The Plaza and Sabrehood Block Party

Cold temperatures and rain showers could stop more than 20,000 people from defending on Buffalo’s Canalside neighborhood to cheer on the Sabres as they host their first playoff game at the KeyBank Center in 14 seasons, as the Boston Bruins come to town for Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs. To help celebrate Buffalo’s achievement this season, the team hosted a pregame Party In The Plaza at Buffalo’s Ticketmaster Alumni Plaza and a Sabrehood Block Party at Canalside.

Gallery Credit: Ed Nice