My point was to original post saying that these head shots need to be stopped and that the NHL/NHLPA are somehow to blame. It is impossible to stop them. When instances occur where a suspension is warranted, 99% of the time the player is suspended.

My point is that there is no head shot epidemic going on in the NHL
- rrentz

I agree with this assessment too. But there needs to be harsher penalties for what we are seeing. Right now missing a few games seems worth it to these guys. Or in Wilson's case 5k is worth it to go full bumhole.

If it wasn't Kadri, I'm not so sure it would be viewed as "targetting", and even with it being Kadri, does everyone think he really tried to hit the guy in the head to hurt him or did he lurch and try to get a piece of the player when he realized his angle was off?

IMO even this instance was a player trying to correct a bad angle of approach and try to adjust in a millisecond while going 20MPH. It's human nature to try and get a piece of the guy rather than have the opposing player walk around you.

NO matter the circumstance, a suspension is warranted due to the outcome, and a player's history should be taken more into account. The NHL is wroing by thinking that each instance needs to be viewed in a vaccuum.
- rrentz

Being objective here but Kadri didnt correct a bad angle, he glided in, looks to be about a 2 or 3 second glide, never adjusted his body and put his shoulder into Faulk's head. Looks like he just got his head and no other part of his body.

Given his history, I wouldnt be surprised at a 3-5 game suspension with his history.

Agree to your overall point, but Kadri had plenty of time to hit him in the side which would have been a great hit. Kadri targeted him on this one.
- mdw7413

I don't think Kadri could have hit him like that given the line he was on. He would have put himself in a vulnerable position and obviously he's not going to do that because he's a chicken poop.

I don't think Kadri could have hit him like that given the line he was on. He would have put himself in a vulnerable position and obviously he's not going to do that because he's a chicken poop.
- JRR1285

Yeah Thats my point though.

If you aren't going for the good clean hit, you are targeting a vulnerable player.

Being objective here but Kadri didnt correct a bad angle, he glided in, looks to be about a 2 or 3 second glide, never adjusted his body and put his shoulder into Faulk's head. Looks like he just got his head and no other part of his body.

Given his history, I wouldnt be surprised at a 3-5 game suspension with his history.
- Brukie

That's the thing. He timed it poorly. The only "safe" option for Kadri himself was to do what he did. Either he just tried to get a piece of him (best case but still awful) or he intentionally tried to knock his head off(maybe suspended as long as Faulk is out plus a few games).

I would like to see eye for an eye with players that have substantial history. You want to be a piece of poop? You are out at least as long as the player you victimized.

My point was to original post saying that these head shots need to be stopped and that the NHL/NHLPA are somehow to blame. It is impossible to stop them. When instances occur where a suspension is warranted, 99% of the time the player is suspended.

My point is that there is no head shot epidemic going on in the NHL
- rrentz

While it may not be an "epidemic" there are still too many high hits that are dangerous to the players. The Players Union and the Dept. of Player Safety need to be more proactive to protect the players from themselves.

The Kadri hit was predatory. If you can't see that, then I can't help you...

Yeah Thats my point though.

If you aren't going for the good clean hit, you are targeting a vulnerable player.
- mdw7413

Well yeah.

While it may not be an "epidemic" there are still too many high hits that are dangerous to the players. The Players Union and the Dept. of Player Safety need to be more proactive to protect the players from themselves.

The Kadri hit was predatory. If you can't see that, then I can't help you...
- TommyGTrain

I think he's trying to offer a more objective view point. Removing Kadri's history is something that can make sense to get a cleaner feel for that hit. I think even without history it's super poopty.

I agree with this assessment too. But there needs to be harsher penalties for what we are seeing. Right now missing a few games seems worth it to these guys. Or in Wilson's case 5k is worth it to go full bumhole.
- JRR1285

Agree. I think Ryans point was everyone female doging about any big hit.

Take Wilson on Lazar. That was one of the best hits I've seen all year. I mean he launched him like a catapult, but because its Wilson, people lose any sense of rational thinking. Just cause he did some (frank)ed up poop before doesn't make every hit dirty.

Agree. I think Ryans point was everyone female doging about any big hit.

Take Wilson on Lazar. That was one of the best hits I've seen all year. I mean he launched him like a catapult, but because its Wilson, people lose any sense of rational thinking. Just cause he did some (frank)ed up poop before doesn't make every hit dirty.
- mdw7413

100%. That hit is a perfect example of why I used to like Wilson. I can't stand when a big hit happens and a player is expected to drop the gloves for it. Just take the hit and move along.

I think they should seriously penalize a player instigating a fight after a clean hit. Maybe like a period misconduct or something. Do it at the end of a game? You miss 20 mins of the next one (or an OT period in the playoffs) etc.

Agree. I think Ryans point was everyone female doging about any big hit.

Take Wilson on Lazar. That was one of the best hits I've seen all year. I mean he launched him like a catapult, but because its Wilson, people lose any sense of rational thinking. Just cause he did some (frank)ed up poop before doesn't make every hit dirty.
- mdw7413

IDK about you, but when I saw a guy w/ his head down, I tried to crush him too. Nothing wrong w/ that...just don't hit the head or knees

That's the thing. He timed it poorly. The only "safe" option for Kadri himself was to do what he did. Either he just tried to get a piece of him (best case but still awful) or he intentionally tried to knock his head off(maybe suspended as long as Faulk is out plus a few games).

I would like to see eye for an eye with players that have substantial history. You want to be a piece of poop? You are out at least as long as the player you victimized.
- JRR1285

Agree with this. Out as long as the injured player, THEN the suspension begins. That would make poopheads like Kadri and Wilson think twice before targeting a vulnerable player.

Agree. I think Ryans point was everyone female doging about any big hit.

Take Wilson on Lazar. That was one of the best hits I've seen all year. I mean he launched him like a catapult, but because its Wilson, people lose any sense of rational thinking. Just cause he did some (frank)ed up poop before doesn't make every hit dirty.
- mdw7413

Wilson chooses to play like that so i think he can handle people scrutinizing every move he makes and take any of the comments that come his way

100%. That hit is a perfect example of why I used to like Wilson. I can't stand when a big hit happens and a player is expected to drop the gloves for it. Just take the hit and move along.

I think they should seriously penalize a player instigating a fight after a clean hit. Maybe like a period misconduct or something. Do it at the end of a game? You miss 20 mins of the next one (or an OT period in the playoffs) etc.
- JRR1285

Its a tough call with the instigator, because if a ref misses a dirty hit you can't do anything. Completely agree though hate the stupid poop after a clean hit. Its (frank)ing hockey, if you don't want to get hit, don't play

Agree with this. Out as long as the injured player, THEN the suspension begins. That would make poopheads like Kadri and Wilson think twice before targeting a vulnerable player.
- Fenrir

I'm down w/ Hammurabi's Laws, but I don't think the NHLPA will agree to it

Its a tough call with the instigator, because if a ref misses a dirty hit you can't do anything. Completely agree though hate the stupid poop after a clean hit. Its (frank)ing hockey, if you don't want to get hit, don't play
- mdw7413

They are instituting replays for more and more things. Big hits resulting in a fight are not an every game occurrence so I think a few minutes to take a look and make a call might not be too bad. Once you institute that rule whoever wants to take a player to task for a perceived dirty hit will have to accept the risk of taking a seat themselves.

Agree. I think Ryans point was everyone female doging about any big hit.

Take Wilson on Lazar. That was one of the best hits I've seen all year. I mean he launched him like a catapult, but because its Wilson, people lose any sense of rational thinking. Just cause he did some (frank)ed up poop before doesn't make every hit dirty.
- mdw7413

Wilson's hit last night was an awesome clean hit.

I'm down w/ Hammurabi's Laws, but I don't think the NHLPA will agree to it
- rrentz

They are instituting replays for more and more things. Big hits resulting in a fight are not an every game occurrence so I think a few minutes to take a look and make a call might not be too bad. Once you institute that rule whoever wants to take a player to task for a perceived dirty hit will have to accept the risk of taking a seat themselves.
- JRR1285

Yeah. I just hate all the replays. Only one I want is if a puck completely crosses a line. Although it might be a good idea to review an injury on a big hit. I could get behind that.

Yeah. I just hate all the replays. Only one I want is if a puck completely crosses a line. Although it might be a good idea to review an injury on a big hit. I could get behind that.
- mdw7413

I don't like them either but I feel like it doesn't happen enough that it would be that bad. It also might start reducing how often it does happen.

I don't like them either but I feel like it doesn't happen enough that it would be that bad. It also might start reducing how often it does happen.
- JRR1285

Yeah, plus the refs seem to be better at it than the dops. Which aint saying much.

Yeah, plus the refs seem to be better at it than the dops. Which aint saying much.
- mdw7413

Except for when they seem to be completely under league control, like last night.
Look at the exchanges between Martinook and Benning.
They get into it, helmets come off, gloves come off, Benning is throwing haymakers into the side of Martinook's head and all they give them is 2 min. roughing each.
Then later in the game, Martinook looks for a little revenge and puts Benning into the boards from behind HORRIBLY and there's no call made at all.
Seems to me the league issued a directive that the refs should let the physicality (i.e. entertainment value) ramp up.

Except for when they seem to be completely under league control, like last night.
Look at the exchanges between Martinook and Benning.
They get into it, helmets come off, gloves come off, Benning is throwing haymakers into the side of Martinook's head and all they give them is 2 min. roughing each.
Then later in the game, Martinook looks for a little revenge and puts Benning into the boards from behind HORRIBLY and there's no call made at all.
Seems to me the league issued a directive that the refs should let the physicality (i.e. entertainment value) ramp up.
- Tonybere

Its just become such an untenable situation Tony. It won't end until players have enough respect for each other and stop targeting each other with head shots.

The NHLPA is part of the problem here. Kadri is in the Union so they have to represent him to eliminate/reduce any suspension. But how does the Players Union protect Faulk? He is in the Union too!
The NHLPA needs to agree to MANDATORY MINIMUM penalties that aren't subject to appeal or reduction.

Want to eliminate predatory head shots?
1st offense minimum 20 games when given a match penalty for head shot like Kadri got last night. Repeat offender? Start with 40 games minimum. No appeal or reductions. Players will quickly learn and adjust. Those players that can't/refuse to adjust will lose their livelihood. Checking will continue but these dangerous high hits will be greatly reduced.

Its just become such an untenable situation Tony. It won't end until players have enough respect for each other and stop targeting each other with head shots.

The NHLPA is part of the problem here. Kadri is in the Union so they have to represent him to eliminate/reduce any suspension. But how does the Players Union protect Faulk? He is in the Union too!
The NHLPA needs to agree to MANDATORY MINIMUM penalties that aren't subject to appeal or reduction.

Want to eliminate predatory head shots?
1st offense minimum 20 games when given a match penalty for head shot like Kadri got last night. Repeat offender? Start with 40 games minimum. No appeal or reductions. Players will quickly learn and adjust. Those players that can't/refuse to adjust will lose their livelihood. Checking will continue but these dangerous high hits will be greatly reduced.
- TommyGTrain

Yep, unfortunately all too correct.
I was in the Canadian Auto Workers union for 15 years (and hated it).
I was set to testify once after witnessing a guy punch another guy in the face on the assembly line. The union officials actually pressured me, saying that the company couldn't make me testify against a "brother." I blacklisted myself by telling them that I was testifying FOR a brother who had done nothing wrong. And where the (frank) were their priorities and/or testicles.

I get that, but the issue here is the only option for him to make contact was what we all observed. I just posted a response where I too thought he was going to miss Faulk until he hit him through his head area. That's bad positioning on Kadri and his only good option is to not make that play.
- JRR1285

The one thing missing in some of these arguments is, player's mentality of intent going into a check.
I will say from personal experience, "positioning of my body" when going into a check really was dictated by my intent going into it. If I was just playing the body to take the puck away, then that significantly changes my body position and reduces chances of injury. However, if my intent is to vent anger, go after the guy or i'm just pissed, my body is in a position that will increase potential injury or contact to the head.

So the milliseconds argument is valid in the case of just making a play and poop happens. But I do not buy it when the player's intent is to be aggressive. Your intent created the potential issue in that case.