David Pastrnak facing criticism for disrespecting Olympics neckguard rule
Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
David Pastrnak is finding out the hard way that the IOC doesn't play around when it comes to their rules on the world stage.
The Bruins superstar arrived in Italy as a celebrated flagbearer but he's already making headlines for all the wrong reasons while his nation hunts for gold.
It's the first time in 12 years we've seen NHL players at the Games and the hype in Milan is through the roof.
But Pasta decided to test the limits of the new neck guard mandate with a piece of gear that looks more like a white ribbon than real protection.
Fans are crushing him on social media after a photo went viral showing a thin white strap barely covering his throat during practice.
He was drafted 1st round, 25th overall by the Bruins in 2014 and he's been an elite scoring dynamo ever since his debut in the league.
He carries a massive $11.25 million cap hit and he's already buried 22 goals and 71 points in 52 games for Boston this season.
The Olympic committee needs to get a grip on these safety stunts
Hockey is a dangerous game and we've seen enough tragedies lately to know that neck protection isn't a joke or a fashion statement.
The IIHF made these guards mandatory for a reason.
Yet here is one of the biggest stars in the world acting like the rule is just a minor annoyance he can skirt around.
It's a bad look for a guy who just carried his nation's flag at the opening ceremony in Milan.
And you'd think a veteran leader would know better than to pull a stunt like this during the most-watched tournament on the planet.
But he might think it's uncomfortable when a skate blade to the neck is a lot worse than a bit of fabric.
So if the officials have any guts they'll tell him to fix the gear or watch the game from the stands.
Will Pasta actually buckle up or will he keep playing with fire while the whole world watches?
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 13|316 ANSWERS David Pastrnak facing criticism for disrespecting Olympics neckguard rule Should the IOC suspend players for wearing altered safety equipment? | ||
| Yes | 209 | 66.1 % |
| No | 107 | 33.9 % |
| List of polls | ||