Could Tomas Hertl face backlash?

By now, everybody has seen the incredible performance that Tomas Hertl put on against the New York Rangers on Thursday night. Four goals, capped off by a between-the-legs goal in the third period, which helped the Sharks pile on the Rangers 9-2. But instead of earning praise for his accomplishment, some people believe that it has overshadow the unwritten rule of decorum.

In particular, Washington Capitals coach Adam Oates, who played in the NHL for 19 years, is one of those people. Oates said, "I'm upset. I was just talking to Capitals GM George McPhee and he said all kids do that nowadays, which I understand. But would he have done it on his first goal?"

After the fourth goal, Hertl did not play the 7:55 remaining in the game. Some might see it as punishment by Sharks coach Todd McLellan for what Hertl did but others might see it as a way to protect his young player from retaliation. Although McLellan confirms that it was a real good celebrating time. But said, "He's so innocent that he's excited about doing it. Sometimes that passion is a good thing to have in our game."

I respect Adam Oates' decision to say that what Hertl did breaks the unwritten rules of decorum, but he's only 19. If he was 25 or 26 or something like that, this kind of talk would be deserved. But he doesn't know, and he's only a kid who's trying to enjoy the game. A lot of young people his age have never done that. So I don't agree with Adam Oates about kids this age. He's gotta learn that sometimes you can't teach kids the unwritten rules until they actually do it. Otherwise, they won't ever learn until they know how to do it.

In all honesty, Adam Oates, just coach your team. Oh, and by the way, you lost to the Hurricanes tonight. You should worry about your own team and less about how other players in the NHL are playing their game. Also, leave Tomas Hertl alone. Kid just learned something new, so maybe he'll take a new light on things. On the other hand, maybe you should blame the New York Rangers for looking so bad. After all, didn't they beat you in the playoffs?

Anyway, I respect what Hertl did and I don't have a problem with his celebration at this age. He was a young kid who was learning the NHL rules, written and unwritten. If he wants to celebrate, I say we give him that and move on. That's what we do, anyway, right?