Add yet another Vancouver player controversy to this year's Stanley Cup Finals.
Alexandre Burrows began "Bitegate" after apparently chomping down on the finger of Patrice Bergeron. Aaron Rome started "Hitgate" tonight.
Rome was ejected during the first period of tonight's game after flattening Nathan Horton with an illegal check. Horton remained on the ice for several minutes before being taken off on a stretcher.
The play occurred in the neutral zone near the Canucks blueline. Horton made a pass and attempted to enter the zone. Rome stopped at the blue line, took two strides and shouldered Horton. He made contact with an unsuspecting Horton, hitting him in the head. The Bruins forward tumbled to the ice, striking his head as he fell.
Immediately after the hit, Horton lay on the ice with his right arm near his chest. He was moving his arms and speaking with the trainer.
The referees charged Rome with a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct.
Interim league disciplinarian Mike Murphy once again faces a difficult decision. During the regular season, a hit like this would draw a multi-game suspension. The league, however, has shown an unwillingness to suspend players during the playoffs. Murphy did not suspend Burrows for his bite despite clear video evidence.
Horton was transferred to Mass General with movement in all extremities.