Defenseman Dave Manson faces a possible suspension for a match penalty called at the finish of Saturday night`s game in Toronto, but Blackhawks General Manager Bob Pulford claims the National Hockey League won`t take that action.
The match meant that officials determined Manson may have purposely attempted to injure the Leafs` Drake Berehowsky with a cross-checking penalty as time expired in the Hawks` 6-2 loss.
”I don`t even expect them to call a hearing on it,” said Pulford, who nonetheless admitted the league has the authority to do just that if referee Andy vanHellemond recommends a review.
Pulford intends to fight fire with fire. He has composed a letter to the league outlining what he felt were severe injustices to the Hawks in the decision-making of vanHellemond and his linesmen, Dan McCourt and Kevin Collins.
”John McIntyre was pulling Chris Chelios` hair when they were down on the ice,” Pulford said. ”One of the linesmen saw it because he removed that hand. McIntyre should have gotten a gross misconduct and fighting penalty, but instead just Chelios was given a fighting penalty. I don`t understand.
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”From the videotape I`ve seen, I think Manson missed him completely. Berehowsky was ducking his head as Manson came across.
”If the NHL doesn`t have a hearing, maybe I`ll call one. VanHellemond is one of our best officials, but I`ve got some questions.”
Closing in: Left wing Steve Thomas is shooting for a possible return to action Thursday when the Washington Capitals come to the Stadium. Thomas, the Hawks` top goal scorer last season, has been sidelined so far with a strained knee suffered in the preseason.