Paul Stewart: Quick Take on Kronwall's Borderline Hit

Great piece, as always. The hit looked jaw shattering, but I didn't see an elbow. You hit it on the head with the DOPS punting already in the playoffs. The Subban slash was swept aside and the EK hit on Beaulieu was an after thought. I know its the playoffs and the game/hits/speed/urgency all escalate, but the DOPS needs to reign the players on the borderline in; all while sending a general deterrent to the rest of the players. Even if those players are franchise players and not fourth line pluggers. There's no deterrent because there is no consistency or benchmark. I'm sure the league doesn't want to be the reason a team doesn't win a series or the cup, but ratings and "nice-guy, happy fun time smile" points for the league should never supersede player safety and common sense.

I'm reminded of the Gryba hit on Eller a few years ago and how it set a tone for what is/is not acceptable in the playoffs. It also calmed emotions (mostly) for the series so that things did not escalate.

Sorry for being Atlantic-centric...its all I get in my area.

Forget the DOPS (they are actually clueless and a waste to have), maybe it's time the players union steps in and kicks out some of these players who are dirty and attacking their own members. I just don't understand how the union can justify fighting for the right to appeal a players suspension when another player is out injured.
Maybe if the union would not certify certain players (or whatever they need to do to be a part of the PA), then the owners will not give these guys contracts.

Paul Stewart: Quick Take on Kronwall's Borderline Hit
- Paul Stewart

Paul, how would the on-ice officials possibly defend not calling the incident at the time - whether it be charging, or elbowing or simply interference?

I hope this isn't one of those "Kerry Fraser didn't see Gretzky's stick hit Gilmour in the face" type situations. You know, where 16,000+ fans see the incident, but mysteriously the (then 3) latterly four officials didn't see the hit?

In excusable. And ... then we'll hear it again.. Kronwall has no suspension history (ya... because each time he throws his ass in the air it never gets called).

So with this logic I assume Garrison should have been suspended for the run at Abdelkador in game 5. Or how about period 1 last night when Glendening was ran with a clear charge and clear elbow to his head by the Tampa player. The tape will show that, as I apologize for not being sure which Tampa player it was. This league is a mess when it comes to safety. Suspensions are not given out as they should be. Subban using his stick as a bat or an ax. Sorry, be more disciplined. These are grown men and they none are held accountable for their actions. I have watched hockey since the mid eighties. I'm in St. Louis and I still watch hockey.....although disappointed often. Poor attempt at humor. My point is until a clear definition of what is intolerable is given, these plays will continue. The lack of respect players have for one another is disturbing. B ring back enforcers, legitimate enforcers. A Probert, Twist, Domi, would be nice on these benches to give players something to think about.

Per player safety: Kronwall suspended one game for charging.

My mind, it's the right call.

I get the justification for Kronwall's suspension. It wasn't an elbow and wasn't interference. What is unfathomable on the league's part is the haphazard way it chooses to review some plays and not others. Why did they choose to review Kronwall's hit and not this one from the same game:

https://gfycat.com/DeliriousPortlyCassowary

If you listen to the justification provided in the video by the NHL Dept of Player Safety, the exact same dialogue applies to this hit by Palat. Both the Kronwall and Palat plays went unpenalized on the ice, yet only one gets reviewed by the league. Why? Clearly Palat leaves hit feet and launches himself into Glendening's head. The only real difference is that Glendening's helmet didn't come off. Even worse, Palat came all the way from New London to deliver that hit. Clearly charging with direct contact to the head.

How they can choose to review one play and take a player out of a Game 7 and not the other for the exact same play is incomprehensible to me. Suspend them both or let them both play.

Go Wings!!!!

p.s. See you at the rink soon, Stew.....

Exactly...The league is way too inconsistent and unless changes are made, they deserve all the critcism that goes along with their decisions.

I get the justification for Kronwall's suspension. It wasn't an elbow and wasn't interference. What is unfathomable on the league's part is the haphazard way it chooses to review some plays and not others. Why did they choose to review Kronwall's hit and not this one from the same game:

https://gfycat.com/DeliriousPortlyCassowary

If you listen to the justification provided in the video by the NHL Dept of Player Safety, the exact same dialogue applies to this hit by Palat. Both the Kronwall and Palat plays went unpenalized on the ice, yet only one gets reviewed by the league. Why? Clearly Palat leaves hit feet and launches himself into Glendening's head. The only real difference is that Glendening's helmet didn't come off. Even worse, Palat came all the way from New London to deliver that hit. Clearly charging with direct contact to the head.

How they can choose to review one play and take a player out of a Game 7 and not the other for the exact same play is incomprehensible to me. Suspend them both or let them both play.

Go Wings!!!!

p.s. See you at the rink soon, Stew.....
- sWuave24