Charlie McAvoy of Boston Bruins' head hit controversy sparks NHL Player Safety debate after Florida Panthers Sandis Vilmanis incidentCharlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins rests on the ice following an injury (Credit: Getty Images) An intense NHL game between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers became one of the biggest topics in the hockey community when a questionable shot in which Charlie McAvoy of the Bruins struck a Panther player in the back resulted in an acclaimed incident in the hockey community.The aspect of physical play also does not alter the identity of the NHL, yet the occurrence of cases of possible head contact is subject to doubt. As the league has placed a stronger focus on player protection over the last few years, instances such as this tend to create a discussion on whether the fines and additional punishment actually match the danger.

Charlie McAvoy Boston Bruins hit by Sandis Vilmanis Florida Panthers

In the early game, Sandis Vilmanis of the Florida Panthers hit with a high shot, which seemed to hit Charlie McAvoy on the head. The Bruins defenseman was not able to leave the ice immediately after the collision, and he needed some help; this fact aroused an immediate concern among his teammates and fans. A minor punishment was imposed on Vilmanis by the officials for an illegal check to the head, but many people felt that more had to be done.The scandal was further increased as the NHL Department of Player Safety failed to provide supplemental discipline, as it was reported. Opponents say that it is common to determine a player based on whether or not he is injured as opposed to the type of hit that occurred, which casts doubt on whether there is any consistency in the outcomes of NHL matches.McAvoy is under close follow-up considering that he is a key player to the Boston Bruins line-up and that he might be given global duties.