The Playoff Suspension Thread...

[Ties5o11]

I agree with Jeff, I think the hit was alright. This is the freaking NHL playoffs, if he stuck and elbow out or something, I get it, but come on, he just hit the guy who was ducking his head for whatever reason.

 

[evolver115]

I agree with Jeff, I think the hit was alright. This is the freaking NHL playoffs, if he stuck and elbow out or something, I get it, but come on, he just hit the guy who was ducking his head for whatever reason.

Shoulder or elbow, what's the difference? Rule 48 was implemented to clear up any confusion about a targeted hit to the head, a la the hit that Cooke delivered to Savard, which was a shoulder to the head.

Malone was fortunate that he didn't get a clean shot directly to Pascal's head, but IMO that was his target.

 

[SLY]

Shoulder or elbow, what's the difference? Rule 48 was implemented to clear up any confusion about a targeted hit to the head, a la the hit that Cooke delivered to Savard, which was a shoulder to the head.

Malone was fortunate that he didn't get a clean shot directly to Pascal's head, but IMO that was his target.

Now your using interpretation. That would completely destroy the NHL. If you allow refs to assume what a plays intentions were, goodbye NHL, I would pay more attention to the FHL. He did not hit his head with his elbow, his shoulder or his jockstrap. That is the answer, not what his intentions were. Unless he comes out and says "I was aiming for his head", then nobody knows.

The outcome on the ice, that is what you go by. Not the result, but the action.

 

[evolver115]

Now your using interpretation. That would completely destroy the NHL. If you allow refs to assume what a plays intentions were, goodbye NHL, I would pay more attention to the FHL. He did not hit his head with his elbow, his shoulder or his jockstrap. That is the answer, not what his intentions were. Unless he comes out and says "I was aiming for his head", then nobody knows.

The outcome on the ice, that is what you go by. Not the result, but the action.

I'm not convinced Malone didn't connect with Pascal's head. I think he got a little of both the back of his head, and the top of his shoulder. Look where Dupuis' helmet is after the hit, its on his head like he's wearing a Amish hat!

As to your point about the NHL interpreting a players' action... that has already begun, IMO.

Look how a players previous infractions weigh in on a current one. They use a players track record to determine future penalties. If that isn't interpreting a players actions, I don't know what is?!

A perfect example of this is Chara. The NHL said he had no previous record of dirty play. They use a players previous experiences to interpret a current situation.

 

[SLY]

I'm not convinced Malone didn't connect with Pascal's head. I think he got a little of both the back of his head, and the top of his shoulder. Look where Dupuis helmet is after the hit, its on his head like he's wearing a Amish hat!

As to your point about the NHL interpreting a players' action... that has already begun, IMO.

Look how a players previous infractions weigh in on a current one. They use a players track record to determine future penalties. If that isn't interpreting a players actions, I don't know what is?!

I agree with using a players track record as judging the severity of his consequences. But to penalize a player for thinking he was going to do something or trying to do something that didn't happen, thats a joke. I have to see the replay again, I just remember when I saw it I was sold there was no head contact.

 

[evolver115]

I agree with using a players track record as judging the severity of his consequences. But to penalize a player for thinking he was going to do something or trying to do something that didn't happen, thats a joke. I have to see the replay again, I just remember when I saw it I was sold there was no head contact.

Head hits need to be eliminated. Dupuis was in a bad spot, and NHL'ers need to have more respect for one another. I'm not advocating a pussifiying of the game, but times have changed.

The hip check has all but vanished from the game, and with the position that Dupuis was in Malone had the opportunity to deliver that hit, instead Malone stayed high on him.

 

[pixburgher66]

Malone's hit wasn't a head shot, but it was blind side and incredibly stupid. He was targeting him and came from the other side of the ice to hit a vulnerable player. Because of that I think there's a minor possibility of penalty, but highly doubt it. It was incredibly stupid of him though...there were 4 TB players back on the lone Penguin on the PK and he came from no where to try and take him out. Still, not a head shot...I've only seen it once though (live).

 

[pixburgher66]

Huh...after watching those replays...I think the shoulder made contact with the head. Still don't think it's something that should result in a suspension though.

 

[Ties5o11]

Malone's hit wasn't a head shot, but it was blind side and incredibly stupid. He was targeting him and came from the other side of the ice to hit a vulnerable player. Because of that I think there's a minor possibility of penalty, but highly doubt it. It was incredibly stupid of him though...there were 4 TB players back on the lone Penguin on the PK and he came from no where to try and take him out. Still, not a head shot...I've only seen it once though (live).

This should be irrelevant, as you should be allowed to hit your opponents whenever the opportunity arises.

The game moves so darn quick, he is coming at around a 90 degree angle at the guy. At worst this is a 2 minute minor, there is absolutely no way this is a suspension IMO.

 

[quoipourquoi]

Looked like he got his head. Don't think it should be a suspension though. Then again, the only suspension I've agreed with in this playoff was Bobby Ryan's...

 

[TheRobotDevil]

I wanted to find this thread and post it. If Kunitz gets one, I don't see how Malone gets any. However this is the NHL so who the fuck knows. How about Richards too. Can someone post the videos?

Haven't seen the Malone hit yet but I do think the Richards hit was atleast deserving of 1 game.I understand its playoff hockey and sometimes players turn the wrong way when A check is coming and if that was the case my opinion would be different.In my opinion the problem with the Richards hit on Connolly was that Richards was not finishing A check he led with his hands an I consider it much more of A push from behind.In my opinion I do not consider pushing from behind along the boards A clean hockey play.Sure many people will disagree with this but I find it to be both dangerous and wreckless and definately wothy of punishment.