Total bull$hit and a dangerous precedent being set.

Only criteria for the suspension was that the hit was late and Virtanen was coming from the side. No head contact, didn't leave his feet, no injury, not even one shift missed for Polak. There are multiple hits every single game that are this late or longer. Maybe not open ice and not as violent, but many, many hits each night are as late as this one was. The player who got hit not being aware that he might get hit is usually not the hitter's fault.

Might as well have added Does not play for Boston, Chicago or a California Team to the list of rationale for the suspension.
- YeOldTimer

but. but. it was predatory in nature...

Keith was given the option of in-person, I believe he will get over the 5 games mostly because of his history and less because of his actions this time around
- WhiteLie

Option of in person hearing just allows them to suspend a player for longer than 5 games. Doesn't always mean they will.

but. but. it was predatory in nature...
- hillbillydeluxe

yup, and the league needs to explain how 90% of Ferlands hits in the playoffs were not suspendable .....

Total bull$hit and a dangerous precedent being set.

Only criteria for the suspension was that the hit was late and Virtanen was coming from the side. No head contact, didn't leave his feet, no injury, not even one shift missed for Polak. There are multiple hits every single game that are this late or longer. Maybe not open ice and not as violent, but many, many hits each night are as late as this one was. The player who got hit not being aware that he might get hit is usually not the hitter's fault.

Might as well have added Does not play for Boston, Chicago or a California Team to the list of rationale for the suspension.
- YeOldTimer

100%

Ferland through similar hits countless times in the playoffs and wasn't even penalized. A complete (frank)ing joke. Come out and tell the teams/ fans what is an acceptable time frame before a hit is considered late and then show some (frank)ing consistency for (frank) sakes

I have heard, admiring his pass repeated many times by older hockey fans. Something I was told when I was a kid was to keep your head up and expect to be hit. For a player like Polak, who hits so often, I am surprised he wasn't aware where Jake was.

It was a late hit. And JV hit him hard. I don't know if JV wanted to injure, but I am sure he wanted Polak to feel it.

I am a homer.
- hillbillydeluxe

It wasn't a personal attack per se. I was raised with that saying as well.

The game is called differently now and the players know they can't do that...

Well... Most of them.

looking at that replay from the video provided, it looks like Polak was admiring his pass and didn't even look around after he passed it... sure its late, but doesn't look as late when you see it in a wider view compared to the close ups we have seen.

could the nhl actually say what the acceptable time frame is? they also say JV has been neither fined or suspended in his 51 game career...

If they don't give Keith 10 games, I think there is something wrong.
- hillbillydeluxe

He plays for Vancouver, what do you expect? I'm surprised he wasn't suspended longer.

Total bull$hit and a dangerous precedent being set.

Only criteria for the suspension was that the hit was late and Virtanen was coming from the side. No head contact, didn't leave his feet, no injury, not even one shift missed for Polak. There are multiple hits every single game that are this late or longer. Maybe not open ice and not as violent, but many, many hits each night are as late as this one was. The player who got hit not being aware that he might get hit is usually not the hitter's fault.

Might as well have added Does not play for Boston, Chicago or a California Team to the list of rationale for the suspension.
- YeOldTimer

If you have read any of the leaked league emails, you would understand fully that head office doesn't know its a$$ from a hole in the ground.

It wasn't a personal attack per se. I was raised with with saying as well.

The game is called differently now and the players know they can't do that...

Well... Most of them.
- rugdnit

Your are right, it is called differently. there was more responsibility on the player being hit as opposed to the hitter, back in the day. don't put yourself in a vulnerable position was often preached. now guys turn their backs when they are going to get hit, maybe some of that is trying to spin off the hit or slip away... (the hit on Sbisa posted earlier).

I still find it surprising that Polak looked oblivious to JV. A fine or a one game suspension would have been sufficient. just curious to see if this is a new trend for a first time offender or just more inconsistency from the league.

I have a hard time when people invoke this. It's not the same game since when that phrase was coined.

It's a crappy hit on Jakes part and he is going to have to learn from this. It also now puts the microscope closer on him. Player safety always likes to invoke past transgressions when dealing with any situation. He now has a record very early in his career.

When you defend these type of hits you become homers. There isn't much to like about this hit.

Let's be objective about what it really was- It's a crappy late hit that he didn't need to lay. Worst case it shows a real lack if maturity. Best case it shows his frustration of his entire year.
- rugdnit

I have a hard time with people getting all worked up about shoulder to shoulder hits that have been part of the game for the past hundred plus years. Coaches teach kids to be aware of what's going on around them and not let their guard down so they become vulnerable.

Yes it was a crappy, late hit and Virtanen deserved a penalty. A two game suspension on top of the 5 and a game he got is way too excessive. Not many here are defending Virtanen, just outraged at what a gong show the NHL Player Safety dept is.

but. but. it was predatory in nature...
- hillbillydeluxe

Aren't most body checks are predatory?

Wasn't Kassian suspended 8 games for his stick flying into the face of Gagner? I know Gagner had his jaw broken, but Kassian didn't swing it in the same manner as Keith did either...

or was it 5 games, seeing different numbers in different articles?

http://www.vancouversun.c...Gagner/8949225/story.html

(3 preseason and 5 regular season games)
- hillbillydeluxe

I remember that one from kassian pretty well. Appeared his check missed the mark and his stick went out to side on impact, which was more carelessness than anything. It did not appear deliberate, but since as a player you are responsible for your stick he should have been suspended. Not sure 8 games was the right number, but it would be if it was deliberate.
Keiths was an obvious retaliation. 8-10 is correct Id say.
How he doesnt have more suspensions in his history looks bad on DPS

If you have read any of the leaked league emails, you would understand fully that head office doesn't know its a$$ from a hole in the ground.
- fiveandagame

Did read some. Alarming lack of professionalism. The league generates countless billions of dollars in economic activity but it's run like some dysfunctional family restaurant.

Welcome to Papa Gary's. Whadda ya want?

Haven't seen the Henrik quote, other than here.

I have no problem with the Captain calling a spade a spade.
Late hits need to be taken out of the game.
It's so stupid and predictable when late/dirty hits happen...An entire fanbase/team will defend the hit, while an entire fanbase/team will shout blue murder and call for suspensions.

If a hit is dirty, its dirty, it shouldn't matter who threw it.
I commend Henrik for his integrity and honesty and don't see this as throwing anyone under the bus. If anything, it teaches JV about being responsible for your actions and the high standard that a team should hold their players to.

- dbot

swedes have a rep for being honest people.

remember sameulson after he signed w canucks? "yes it was the money, I shouldnt lie"

but. but. it was predatory in nature...
- hillbillydeluxe

Ill agree with old timer that these hits happen constantly and there was no offense other than it was late.

its amazing how some teams get all the breaks for their players.

"“I’m 58 and I’ve got some issues, for sure, but I’m generally okay,” Maxwell said."

Quote from one of the guys in the concussion lawsuit on a recent TSN story. I really wish the money grab guys would just go away

http://www.tsn.ca/talent/...ncussion-lawsuit-1.461816

Aren't most body checks are predatory?
- YeOldTimer

We need to sign more predatory UFAs.

We need to sign more predatory UFAs.
- A_SteamingLombardi

Aren't most body checks are predatory?
- YeOldTimer

if you are looking to check someone, you are now a predator. if you bump into someone, maybe the hit doesn't get recorded as a hit?

just colourful language used to justify the penalty as far as I can tell.

I guess JV could appeal, but not sure what the outcome would be except to recoup a few grand after he has already sat out the games.

I remember that one from kassian pretty well. Appeared his check missed the mark and his stick went out to side on impact, which was more carelessness than anything. It did not appear deliberate, but since as a player you are responsible for your stick he should have been suspended. Not sure 8 games was the right number, but it would be if it was deliberate.
Keiths was an obvious retaliation. 8-10 is correct Id say.
How he doesnt have more suspensions in his history looks bad on DPS
- SMBDragon

Sedins throwing the kids to the wolves yet again. I get they are leaders, but they should be saying this in the Locker room, not the media. If they want the team to work harder, they have to look no further than their Captain/Alternate who cant put a puck in a net. Bothered me that the Sedins have anything negative to say about these kids publicly, because they certainly arent carrying their end.

if you are looking to check someone, you are now a predator. if you bump into someone, maybe the hit doesn't get recorded as a hit?

just colourful language used to justify the penalty as far as I can tell.

I guess JV could appeal, but not sure what the outcome would be except to recoup a few grand after he has already sat out the games.
- hillbillydeluxe

He's better off just resting up, and taking the suspension quietly. Dont think the canucks need anymore drama right now

Man, if Keith only gets 3 games more than Virtanen.....

yup, and the league needs to explain how 90% of Ferlands hits in the playoffs were not suspendable .....
- the end

Ding Ding.

Well JV got his punishment handed down fast for 1st time offender.
Maybe a lil harsh or maybe bang on but fair prolly.

Keith gets an automatic 1 game for his match penalty.
So i see more time is taken for his punishment.
Either late tonight or early tomorrow i expect he gets suspended.
His previous record of cheap shots should get him a severe penalty irregardless of the playoffs but the DPS is like FIFA.
Will the NHL have ballz or another bizarre ruling?
Rome got the harshest PO suspension ever last tme a player admired a pass n JV gets 2 games for a cleaner albeit late blindside hit.
Keith who believes himself royalty & is untouchable for hits in his mind & always resorts to headshots or stickwork gets minimum punishment so does he finally receive real justice?

Maybe Keith should stand up n fight for a change like Cherry says 1 fight in 5 years says Keith is a coward.

Tune in to As the Worm turns.....

McSorely got 23 games for intentionally swinging his stick at the head. This is Keith's multiple time targeting players head with sticks and elbows.

There is a major action being taken against the NHL and NFL that will run into the hundreds of millions. It is time to take this POS out of the game. I think he should be given a 25 game suspension playoffs included .

Sedins throwing the kids to the wolves yet again. I get they are leaders, but they should be saying this in the Locker room, not the media. If they want the team to work harder, they have to look no further than their Captain/Alternate who cant put a puck in a net. Bothered me that the Sedins have anything negative to say about these kids publicly, because they certainly arent carrying their end.
- Crazybagoham

C'mon man. That's a lot of reaching.
Unless i'm missing something, they called out some team mates weeks ago, not by name, saying 'you know who you are' and then the kids responded that they have to pick up their game and that they understand they have to give 100% each shift.

I saw later that Daniel said something about reflecting about their age and being not so hard on them...a way of taking the heat of them a bit.

This thing about acknowledging a late hit has nothing to do with production.
It has to do with playing the game the right way and respecting other players.

No, JV didn't target the head.
No, it wasn't the worst hit ever.
Yes, it was late.

Henrik, the league, most posters on here, all agree with that. JV probably does too.

I agree that other players get away with late/dirty hits, but that's another issue.

Henrik is actually showing leadership by calling it like it is.