Mats is Lucky

The stick throwing incident by Mats Sundin the other night could have been an ugly situation. For those not in the know, Mats broke his stick on a shot attempt and tossed the broken shaft into the stands out of frustration. No one was hurt and that is where Sundin is very lucky. Someone could have been seriously injured. No penalty was called as somehow both referees didn't see what happened. The league has suspended Sundin for one game. Unfortunately for the Leafs, the game is a big one against Ottawa. The game will hurt Sundin in the wallet to the tune of 47,685.19 bucks (money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund). But I think the league is correct in the suspension. The fact that nobody was hurt is moot. The potential for disaster was there and all because of a fraction of a second that one person wasn't thinking about how his actions may affect those around him. As far as I know (based on the televised reports I have seen) neither Sundin nor anyone in the Leafs' organization is fighting the decision. It shows that they are at least aware that this sort of "brain cramp" can't be tolerated, no matter who you happen to be.