NHL Rumours: Larkin Gets Booed, Carlo’s Kneeing Major & Bobrovsky Apologizes

In today’s NHL rumour rundown, we start off with Dylan Larkin, who received a passionate amount of boos for the Detroit Red Wings’ home opener. Elsewhere, Brandon Carlo was given a major penalty for kneeing, which has stirred up some debate around the rule.

Finally, after stealing the spotlight for Gavin McKenna’s rookie lap, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky apologized for his mistake.

Fans Boo Larkin, Start “Sell The Team” Chant

After a disastrous offseason that included the captain requesting a trade, the general manager being fired, and a top defenseman not getting a contract, the best thing the Red Wings could have done was come out of the gate hot. Winning solves a lot of problems.

As the crowd was introduced to the players, Larkin, who missed the game due to an injury, was introduced alongside the scratched players. There was a very passionate rain of boos, followed by a polite wave to the camera from Larkin before hurrying off the bench and back down the tunnel.

During the broadcast of the game, Paul Bissonnette called the decision to introduce him a “bush league move” and stated that when he tried to leave, the team made him go back. Whether this was because of typical procedures being enforced or the team trying to embarrass Larkin and make him face the fans, it became a very awkward situation.

Things didn’t get better for the team after the puck dropped. Just five minutes into the game, the Red Wings trailed the New York Rangers by a goal and were being out-shot 6-0. At that point, fans began a chant directed towards owner Chris Illitch, shouting “sell the team”.

The Red Wings would go on to lose the game 2-0, leaving fans disappointed after the home opener.

Carlo Receives Major Penalty for Kneeing, Fans Divided on Call

In his first showing with the St. Louis Blues, Carlo was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz. As Hintz was trying to settle a pass, Carlo came from his right to lay what looked to be a clean hit, but the Stars centre tried to evade it, and took significant impact to the knee.

While Hintz went to the ice in pain, he was able to play on the ensuing power play.

There is no question about where the primary contact was made. Carlo’s hip hit Hintz’ knee/thigh. Where the questions about the call come in is the intent. As Carlo was approaching Hintz, his legs were not extended, his shoulder was lowered, and he looked ready to deliver a clean hit.

After Hintz’ attempt to evade the hit, he left his leg exposed, leading to the illegal contact.

This caused a lot of arguments online, but there isn’t any supplementary discipline expected to come for Carlo.

Bobrovsky Apologizes for Stealing Rookie Lap From McKenna

As is tradition in the NHL, ahead of a player’s first game, they take a lap around their end alone. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, first overall pick Gavin McKenna wasn’t able to do this.

As warmups were about to commence, McKenna could be seen in the tunnel without his helmet, ready to take his rookie lap. To the surprise of everybody, Bobrovsky took the ice first.

Many pointed to Bobrovsky’s superstition of being the first player out, which is common for goaltenders, but in a media availability, Bobrovsky stated that wasn’t the case.

“I completely forgot. I came to him and told him so. So I pretended that it was my first game too,” said the goaltender.