"LeBron quality flop", "Dirty play by dirty player": NHL fans debate Timo Meier's ejection for kneeing Martin Necas

Timo Meier, a forward for the New Jersey Devils, was ejected for hitting Martin Necas in the knee. The collision caused Necas to buckle. Meier was quickly ejected due to the dangerous hit. Some Devils fans questioned the decision, noting Necas didn’t miss any shifts after the play.

The Hurricanes won 5-2, avenging their loss to the Devils the night before. The rivalry is heating up, with both teams fighting for top spots in the Metropolitan Division.

This isn't the first time Meier has been involved in a questionable play. Earlier this season, he was involved in a cross-checking incident. The NHL's Department of Player Safety may now review his actions for possible discipline.

After the game, Spittin’ Chiclets shared a video of the ejection on X (formerly Twitter), leading to more debate.

"Timo Meier was ejected from game vs Carolina for kneeing Martin Necas. Thoughts?"

Fans were split on the hit. Some argued that Timo Meier’s hit was accidental and that Necas faked the injury. Others felt the referees made the right call.

"Dirty play by a dirty player," a fan said.

"1. LeBron quality flop. 2. F*** those refs. 3. F*** Bettman," another fan commented.

"Soft. Necas faked the injury to get the call after he knew it was incidental contact to his knee after skating to side to avoid Timo. Should have been coincidental minors," one user commented.

Here are a few more reactions from fans on X.

"This was incredibly WEAK call! Not a penalty and these refs must have just got done officiating an NBA game," a fan disagreed.

"Looked like a normal body check to me. Unfortunate what happened to his knee, but didn’t look like an intentional knee," another fan commented.

"oh my god necas must be out for the next year or 2 with an injury like that, no chance he goes out for his next shift....right?" one fan opined.

Carolina Hurricanes beat Timo Meier and the New Jersey Devils 5-2

The New Jersey Devils lost 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes. Paul Cotter scored first for the Devils in the second period. Dmitry Orlov tied it 1-1 with a shot in the final seconds. Ondrej Palat gave the Devils a 2-1 lead in the third. Sebastian Aho quickly tied it 2-2 for Carolina.

At this point, Timo Meier was called for a major penalty, and Jackson Blake scored on the power play, putting Carolina ahead 3-2. Jack Roslovic extended the lead to 4-2 with a one-timer. He added an empty-net goal at 16:38, sealing the 5-2 win for the Hurricanes.