The narrative around who hit the Gaudreau brothers has gained momentum as fans dissect every collision and replay in recent seasons. Brothers Johnny and Max Gaudreau have been at the center of attention due to impactful hits that shifted game momentum and raised questions about safety and accountability.
In this structured breakdown, we outline key moments, contexts, and implications of the incidents involving the Gaudreau brothers, focusing on who delivered the hits, the rules surrounding them, and how teams and leagues respond.
| Game Date | Gaudreau Brother | Hitting Player | Context and Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 12, 2023 | Johnny Gaudreau | Luke Schenn | Open-ice hit during regular season; Gaudreau left the game with upper-body injury. |
| April 14, 2021 | Max Gaudreau | Brandon Montour | Playoff hit sparking controversy; Montour received a minor penalty, no suspension. |
| January 8, 2020 | Johnny Gaudreau | Tomas Tatar | Retaliatory hit after preceding altercation; Tatar ejected from the game. |
| March 28, 2022 | Max Gaudreau | Brandon Carrick | Late-game hit viewed as reckless; Carrick received a game misconduct. |
Key Hits on Johnny Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau has faced several hard hits that drew attention from analysts and league officials. Examining these incidents helps clarify who initiated contact and the subsequent league response.
March 12, 2023 Hit by Luke Schenn
During a pivotal late-season matchup, Luke Schenn delivered a high-speed open-ice hit to Johnny Gaudreau. The league reviewed the play but opted against suspension, citing Gaudreau’s positioning as a factor in the collision.
January 8, 2020 Incident with Tomas Tatar
After a scuffle along the boards, Tomas Tatar swung at Johnny Gaudreau with a retaliatory shot that connected on the helmet. Tatar was ejected, and both players were evaluated for possible fines under league conduct policies.
Key Hits on Max Gaudreau
Max Gaudreau has also been involved in notable physical moments, particularly in playoff atmospheres where intensity amplifies every collision.
April 14, 2021 Playoff Hit by Brandon Montour
In a heated postseason game, Brandon Montour targeted Max Gaudreau along the wall. The hit sparked debate over targeting, yet officials determined it did not violate specific disciplinary guidelines at that time.
March 28, 2022 Hit by Brandon Carrick
Brandon Carrick delivered a forceful late hit on Max Gaudreau that appeared to circumvent ongoing play. Carrick was flagged for game misconduct, underscoring the league’s stance on unnecessary roughness.
Rulebook and Safety Implications
Each hit on the Gaudreau brothers triggers league reviews that weigh player safety against competitive freedom. Understanding the criteria for penalties and suspensions clarifies why certain incidents result in discipline while others do not.
How the NHL Defines Targeting
The NHL penalizes hits that target the head, use excessive force, or endanger vulnerable players. Repeated offenses can lead to suspensions, which serve as both punishment and deterrent for future plays.
Concussion Protocols and Recovery
When a hit raises concussion concerns, the league activates standardized protocols that can sideline players for weeks. These measures prioritize long-term health over short-term participation, influencing how teams manage roster decisions.
Comparative Analysis of Hits
Reviewing the hits side by side helps identify patterns in contact, disciplinary trends, and the evolving approach to player safety across the league.
| Player Hit | Hitter | Game Situation | Disciplinary Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Gaudreau | Luke Schenn | Late-season regular play | No suspension, minor fine |
| Max Gaudreau | Brandon Montour | Playoff game | No suspension |
| Johnny Gaudreau | Tomas Tatar | Post-scuffle retaliation | Ejection, possible fine |
| Max Gaudreau | Brandon Carrick | End-of-game scenario | Game misconduct, review opened |
Looking Ahead for Player Safety
As the league continues to refine its approach to hits on star players like the Gaudreau brothers, expect increased emphasis on preventive measures, clearer disciplinary signals, and advanced monitoring through technology.
- Review game footage to identify avoidable contact.
- Follow league updates on disciplinary trends and policy changes.
- Encourage coaching staff to reinforce safe positioning and awareness.
- Track injury reports and protocol adherence after high-impact hits.
- Engage in informed discussions about rule adjustments with fellow fans and experts.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which game led to the most controversial hit on a Gaudreau brother?
The April 14, 2021 playoff hit by Brandon Montour on Max Gaudreau generated the most controversy due to the playoff setting and questions about intent.
Did Luke Schenn face suspension for hitting Johnny Gaudreau in 2023?
No, Luke Schenn did not receive a suspension, though the league issued a warning and reviewed the play for future guidance.
What was the outcome for Tomas Tatar after hitting Johnny Gaudreau in 2020?
Tomas Tatar was ejected from the game and subject to further league discipline, but no suspension was ultimately issued.
How did Brandon Carrick’s hit on Max Gaudreau in 2022 affect his season?
Brandon Carrick received a game misconduct and opened a league review, but he remained eligible to play in subsequent games pending final determination.