Invisible snipers strike Viktor Arvidsson (Video)

Nashville Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson fell victim to invisible snipers in Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Blues.

Joel Edmundson had just been whistled for tripping Filip Forsberg, who is seen in the picture below laying on his tummy. During the stoppage, Arvidsson crosses paths with David Perron. Perron gives Arvidsson a little slap on the ribs.

It’s at that moment the invisible snipers attack.

Arvidsson flails and drops to the ice like a sack of flour.

Let’s pour a little out for the dignity Arvidsson just surrendered.

The officials take notice. They send PERRON off for two minutes for slashing, and give the Preds a two-man advantage for a full two minutes.

Mike Yeo was less than thrilled with the call. He has some NSFW words for the officials:

Jake Allen does his best to keep the Preds off the score sheet while his team is down two guys.

Ryan Johansen capitalizes before the penalties run their course to tie the game at 1-1.

Later in the period, Scottie Upshall hands out a little hockey justice to Arvidsson.

As for the NHL brass looking at this for a fine, a couple things to keep in mind.

A player’s initial warning from the league for diving/embellishment is kept private. Should the player offend again, he is then subject to a fine and public shame via NHL press release.

We don’t know if Arvidsson has received a warning yet this season. If he has, then we would hope to see a fine come down from the league for this phenomenal acting performance.

This is a gigantic game for Nashville, and Arvidsson did what he could to give his team an edge. Not saying it’s right, but as the old adage goes, ‘if you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying.’

s/t @CMS_74_ for the GIFs

– – – – – – –

Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @MsJenNeale_PD.