Perhaps the biggest talking point coming out of Colorado’s 5-2 loss to Nashville in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup playoffs series was the hit Ryan Johansen laid on the Avs’ , and whether a suspension will result from the blow.
The hit occurred late in the second period Thursday as the Avalanche defenseman attempted a shot on goal. Johansen appeared to make contact with Barrie’s head, sending him flipping onto the ice. Barrie immediately went to the bench but did later return to the game.
A number of hockey fans on Twitter took it upon themselves to reach out to , requesting that it look at the hit. The account, meanwhile, has been mum on Johansen’s hit, which did not even draw a penalty.
Although some have called it a cheap shot worthy of suspension, others say it was Barrie who sold the contact, making it look worse than it was.
For Avalanche fans, the hit was a reminder that the last time Colorado was in the playoffs in 2014, Barrie was lost for the series with an MCL injury after a hit by Minnesota’s Matt Cooke.
Two other hits during these playoffs have drawn the NHL’s attention. One by Los Angeles’ Drew Doughty earned him a one-game suspension. Another by Toronto’s Nazem Kadri has resulted in a hearing Friday to determine a possible punishment.
Here’s a look at some of the reaction on Twitter:
Ooof this was a questionable hit by Ryan Johansen on Tyson Barrie
— Fitz (@FitzGSN_)
Ryan Johansen is going to get a hearing for his hit on Tyson Barrie right ?
— x – Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey)
https://twitter.com/Luke_Finlay/status/984655153704919040
You guys better look at the hit on Tyson Barrie.
— Trent Manchester (@TrentManchester)
https://twitter.com/Boreal_Apparel/status/984650326555807744
Get your shots in now Johansen, you should be watching Game 2 from the Press Box.
— Justin Cox (@justin_coxy)
https://twitter.com/PredsandStuff/status/984634861527928832
Another playoffs where a team tries to take out Tyson Barrie…headhunting needs to stop
— Nick (@NickJP216)
He could win a RT : The Ryan Johansen hit on Tyson Barrie some are saying was dirty. Barrie seemed to sell it pretty well..
— Nicole Frost (@tnmedicgirl)
If Ryan Johansen doesn't get suspended for that hit on Tyson Barrie you should all probably consider another line of work. Do your job.
— Avneet.Kalha (@AvneetKalha)
How come the Avs' playoff opponents first mission is always to take out Tyson Barrie?
— Justin Losacco (@justinlosacco)
Look at the Ryan Johansen hit. That play shouldn't be allowed in hockey, you need to protect the players. Do the right thing and address the dirty hit.
— Avneet.Kalha (@AvneetKalha)
Don't forget about Ryan Johansen today. The hit was questionable and needs to be addressed. Do your job and protect the players.
— Avneet.Kalha (@AvneetKalha)
The fact that has yet to say anything about Ryan Johansen's elbow to Barrie's head probably means nothing will come of it. Should we be surprised?
— Nic (@nzamora86)
if Ryan Johansen isn’t suspended for that hit on Barrie that would be a complete joke. Suspend that goon. Complete blind side head shot
— Rocky Mountain Experience (@returntoglory96)
