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Fans Questioning NHL's Lack Of Action For Borderline Hit On Bryan Rust

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A late third period goal by Nick Bonino gave the Pittsburgh Penguins a 3-2 win in Game 1 of this year's Stanley Cup Final.

Today, fans were celebrating the win and sharing their thoughts on the borderline hit to one of the team's hottest players.

It's been seven years since the Pittsburgh Penguins have played in a Stanley Cup Final. On the ice Monday night at Consol Energy Center, the Pens brought their A-game against the San Jose Sharks.

Goals by Bryan Rust and Conor Sheary gave the Pens a 2-0 lead in the first period. The Sharks responded in the second period to tie the score, setting the stage for Bonino's dramatic game-winning goal.

At 93.7 the Fan, callers credited the speed of the Pens.

But, a high hit on Rust in the third period by Sharks winger Patrick Marleau had fans crying foul.

"He's probably done dozens of those hits over his career. He did a good job disguising that hit. He definitely hit him in the head," one caller said.

Fan Morning Show host Josh Miller added about the hockey players hitting or making contact with other players, "Any chance you get to hit somebody faster than you, you do it."

Marleau will not have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Some argue the decision was made too soon.

"Why so fast, is it because all of the people from the NHL are here?" said host Colin Dunlap. "Generally, doesn't this stuff wait a little longer?

Another caller agreed.

"Virtually 48 hours before the next puck drops, why something has to be leaked the way it is tonight? Do they have a night shift that does this thing?" they asked.

Others question if the hit was intentional.

Rust is listed as day-to-day with the upper-body injury.

Game 2 to the Stanley Cup Final will be played Wednesday at 8 p.m. at CONSOL Energy Center.

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