Skinner and Pitkanen out indefinitely for Concussions

[Eddie_Shack]

I wonder if anyone has taken the step to look at the gear. I know that it has "improved" in lightness and durability, but I wonder if recent re-designs have anything to do with it.

I never played against anyone with hard shell shoulder pads, or the hard capped elbow pads, and no one I ever played with got a concussion. (Granted, that's a big "that we know of" there...)

Is it the helmets themselves? Lighter materials not as forgiving?

I think it's a conbination of everything. As has been previously stated, the players keep getting bigger, stronger, and faster. Off season training keeps getting more intensive, the equipment is getting lighter making it easier for players to scoot around at top speed. Players overall are better at puckhandling than they were 10-15 years ago, so they are moving faster with the puck, a time when they are more vulnerable. The game itself keeps getting faster as obstruction and holding has been cleaned up, and coaches move away from the dump and chase strategies. Respect meanwhile has gone down and players think nothing of lining someone up at speeds previously unthought of.

Finally, we are getting better and diagnosing concussion symptoms. Now, players are being treated with more care, whereas in the past guys would just watch their production and health fall off and it was part of the game and the aging process.

 

[PhillyPhaithful48]

Just to touch on an argument I make quite often. How about players start taking accountability for themselves out there?

Too often in recent years, players have been getting comfortable skating with their heads down in dangerous areas. They assume (and I don't blame them) that the league has struck fear into opposing players so they avoid the big hit.

Recent example is the argument I made for Nate Gerbe. Turns back to the play. Assumes he's not going to get hit. Plays puck. Gets hit. Players need to stop assuming they are protected under the new rules and constant criticism of concussions. They are abusing the rules by putting themselves in dangerous positions. Whether they receive an illegal or a legal hit, it would be much wiser to just not put yourself into a position you can get hit like that.

IMO these players are getting too comfortable/fearless when in a vulnerable position.

 

[Bizzle McDizzle]

seems eerie that this happened so close to Skinner Bobblehead night

 

[Bizzle McDizzle]

Step 1. Get a bobblehead doll
Step 2. Get an actual bobblehead
Step 3. profit

 

[Bizzle McDizzle]

The Skinner bobblehead is really employed by a secret government agency assigned to monitoring aliens on earth.

Agent S.

 

[dash]

That bobblehead face adds at least 5 years to Skinner's age (lol)

 

[pixburgher66]

SOURCES: The All-Concussion Team has re-acquired Guillaume Latendresse from Minnesota. Still working on getting Pierre-Marc Bouchard.

 

[IPostedWhat]

Dammit! Why doesn't Kesler have a bobblehead?

 

[Comeds]

SOURCES: The All-Concussion Team has re-acquired Guillaume Latendresse from Minnesota. Still working on getting Pierre-Marc Bouchard.

I thought he joined the other night. He was hit hard against the boards by Zach Bogosian.