Talk about playing with the piranha.
- blackhawk24

Last years Rome hit rallied the Bruins . []
- VANTEL

That hit totally changed the series. Bruins were sleepwalking until then & getting pushed around by the Nucks. The hit brought out the nasty in Boston. Seemed the Cunucks tried to put the genie back in the bottle and tone it down/rely on speed and power plays--the physical series played to Boston's strengths.

Coaching issue?

American making fun of the Canadian education system? Now THAT'S funny!

I hope that next season the NHL gets serious about head shots. The system is pretty much a joke right now, as evidenced by the 5 game ban to Keith.
- woopstash

Worse yet...From Chicago! (though the school where I work just put a kid into Cornell and another into Annapolis).

I'm talking about a rule involving extreme circumstances where head shots and a deliberate attempt to injure is involved.

Kronwall hits to hurt and while many of his hits are questionable I don't think they can be categorized in the same way as what Rene Bourque and Keith did.
- RickJ

No, certainly not the same compared to those two examples. Probably a matter of degrees for many others (Kronwall among them) & has to be more clearly defined & enforced.

No, certainly not the same compared to those two examples. Probably a matter of degrees for many others (Kronwall among them) & has to be more clearly defined & enforced.
- grinder10

They just need to have a level 1, level 2, and level 3 criteria for head shots. With set penalties. Level 1 is 3 games, level 3 is 7 games. They are doubled for repeat offenders in last twelve months, no exceptions. Level 1 can be direct contact to the head but otherwise clean hit. Level 3 can be multiple infractions could have been called, direct contact, injury resulted, etc. Just make it clear. You hit a guy directly in the head you are suspended period.

Keith deserves ten, and Sedin deserves nothing for the hit on Keith? Please.

Here's another way of looking at it. How much did you think Kronwall deserved for the hit on Kesler 12/21? Honestly. Don't lie for the sake of argument. Tell the truth.

And how much did he get?

I know they're somewhat different kinds of plays. But was there intent to injure in both cases? Yes. Any idiot knows it.

Does Kronwall have a track record of trying to take guys heads off (even though some of his hits are clean)? Yes.

I have no issue with suspending Keith. But it's time Shanahan stopped soft-pedaling certain guys. It's become laughable. And yes, anyone asking, I do think Kronwall is guilty of dirty hits almost as often as not.

Some are clean. Some are not.
- John Jaeckel

You should look at this video - you might learn something homer.

http://video.nhl.com/vide...onsole?catid=60&id=123678

They just need to have a level 1, level 2, and level 3 criteria for head shots. With set penalties. Level 1 is 3 games, level 3 is 7 games. They are doubled for repeat offenders in last twelve months, no exceptions. Level 1 can be direct contact to the head but otherwise clean hit. Level 3 can be multiple infractions could have been called, direct contact, injury resulted, etc. Just make it clear. You hit a guy directly in the head you are suspended period.
- coldsteelonice

I have an article coming out this morning...by this time there should be more consistency.

I have an article coming out this morning...by this time there should be more consistency.
- Al

Doan should have got 10 games

They just need to have a level 1, level 2, and level 3 criteria for head shots. With set penalties. Level 1 is 3 games, level 3 is 7 games. They are doubled for repeat offenders in last twelve months, no exceptions. Level 1 can be direct contact to the head but otherwise clean hit. Level 3 can be multiple infractions could have been called, direct contact, injury resulted, etc. Just make it clear. You hit a guy directly in the head you are suspended period.
- coldsteelonice

Agreed...different levels w/ assigned suspension periods. Factor in things like 1. Leaving the feet 2. Raised elbow or shoulder pads (guarantee shoulder pads become the next prime weapon if elbows receive more scrutiny) 3. Position of hitter's stick 4. Location of puck 5. Did hitter likely have time to change course ... and so on. Not getting all the factors, but the loose idea is there. Prior record should have less influence than now. Injury really shouldn't weigh in because its too variable--it hasn't really worked well for either side of incidents. Intent or assessed intent, based on pre-established criteria would be the best gauge. One would think that clearly-defined criteria would make the disciplinarian's job a bit easier.

Doan should have got 10 games
- VANTEL

Yes...Or Keith shouldn't have gotten no more than three.

But it so scattered it's not worth the energy trying to figure out the rationale.

Yes...Or Keith shouldn't have gotten more than three.

But it so scattered it's not worth the energy trying to figure out the rationale.
- Al

That is what frustrates the fans, Al. If there was consistency, we would all be enjoying our morning beer and the newspaper. The NHL always flames the fire for contoversy.

As the previous poster mentioned there should be 3 categories with a set amount of games assigned to it. Players leading with elbows or sticks to the head should be 10 games .

That is what frustrates the fans, Al. If there was consistency, we would all be enjoying our morning beer and the newspaper. The NHL always flames the fire for contoversy.
- VANTEL

I agree and the attention drawn to the sport by mainstream US media is the wrong kind of focus.

That is what frustrates the fans, Al. If there was consistency, we would all be enjoying our morning beer and the newspaper. The NHL always flames the fire for contoversy.
- VANTEL

It's probably best I stick to coffee.

So my question is this (and sorry if it has already been discussed) but, if we meet in the playoffs do you guys think the league warns both teams that any shenanigans will not be tolerated? And if that happens does that take away from the intensisty that we could have otherwise expected? It would be a shame to not see these teams beat the crap out of each other (in a clean and legal way )

So my question is this (and sorry if it has already been discussed) but, if we meet in the playoffs do you guys think the league warns both teams that any shenanigans will not be tolerated? And if that happens does that take away from the intensisty that we could have otherwise expected? It would be a shame to not see these teams beat the crap out of each other (in a clean and legal way )
- Anaarkey

I think the league would be crazy to step in. Besides the two hits that was
Must See TV

The game had everything . Take out the headshots(both teams ) and let them play.

In thinking about it, I believe the hit like Keith put on Sedin SHOULD have gotten 10 games, however...given other hits just as egregious (or worse) for repeat offenders have warranted suspensions of 3 games (or fewer) suggests that you can't suspend Keith in a vacuum. The precedent suggested Keith should have gotten no more than 3.

The league has once again blown it with horribly inconsistent rulings. I can't figure out why? Are they coddling some players? Are they kowtowing to Vancouver, who has been whining about officials for years now?

Hard to say, but they need to start getting this right. I think Sedin should have gotten a game or two, and Keith 10 games. The hits like Keith delivered do need to be removed from the sport.

...Hopefully someday soon the NHL rule book and its enforcement will better resemble other major sports rather than the Roller Derby. The game’s popularity shouldn’t be held back due to dangerous behavior of players, subpar officiating and inconsistent rulings from the NHL.

Shanahan handing out fines/suspensions, is like asking Butch Cassidy to corral bank robbers. Some consistency, please!:http://bit.ly/GMUG5y

Today on My Fox Chicago....On Twitter @AlCimaglia

In thinking about it, I believe the hit like Keith put on Sedin SHOULD have gotten 10 games, however...given other hits just as egregious (or worse) for repeat offenders have warranted suspensions of 3 games (or fewer) suggests that you can't suspend Keith in a vacuum. The precedent suggested Keith should have gotten no more than 3.

The league has once again blown it with horribly inconsistent rulings. I can't figure out why? Are they coddling some players? Are they kowtowing to Vancouver, who has been whining about officials for years now?

Hard to say, but they need to start getting this right. I think Sedin should have gotten a game or two, and Keith 10 games. The hits like Keith delivered do need to be removed from the sport.
- kwolf68

Aside from your lame comment about the whining you post was decent. I remember ealier this year coming in here and seeing all the fans here bashing the officiating ,so to make a comment like that is dumb.

Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver media have been at the forefront of bashing the officiating . Chicago and 28 other cities should join that rally becuase NHL officiating is as legit as Russian /France figure skating officials.

In thinking about it, I believe the hit like Keith put on Sedin SHOULD have gotten 10 games, however...given other hits just as egregious (or worse) for repeat offenders have warranted suspensions of 3 games (or fewer) suggests that you can't suspend Keith in a vacuum. The precedent suggested Keith should have gotten no more than 3.

The league has once again blown it with horribly inconsistent rulings. I can't figure out why? Are they coddling some players? Are they kowtowing to Vancouver, who has been whining about officials for years now?

Hard to say, but they need to start getting this right. I think Sedin should have gotten a game or two, and Keith 10 games. The hits like Keith delivered do need to be removed from the sport.
- kwolf68

I don't understand why you pick a number like 10 games? What is the relevance of 10 when there has been no other suspension even close to that for a similar hit (reference Rene Bourque, Shane Doan)?

What is required is a clause in the CBA which establishes a fixed number of games and takes the arbitrary amount of punishment out of the hands of Shanahan. Once that is established, any argument about the number of games for a specific incident stops. If Player A commits a specific offense causing injury because the head was the principal point of contact, he gets X games, that's it, end of story and it doesn't matter who the player is..

I don't understand why you pick a number like 10 games? What is the relevance of 10 when there has been no other suspension even close to that for a similar hit (reference Rene Bourque, Shane Doan)?

What is required is a clause in the CBA which establishes a fixed number of games and takes the arbitrary amount of punishment out of the hands of Shanahan. Once that is established, any argument about the number of games for a specific incident stops. If Player A commits a specific offense causing injury because the head was the principal point of contact, he gets X games, that's it, end of story and it doesn't matter who the player is..
- RickJ

James Wisniewski

Shanny was laying out stiff penalties early in the year untill a few owners threatened his job.

James Wisniewski
- VANTEL

Not comaparable at all....A block head with a history of dangerous plays and dumb behavior compared to a player who has been only fined once in 7 years..

Aside from your lame comment about the whining you post was decent. I remember ealier this year coming in here and seeing all the fans here bashing the officiating ,so to make a comment like that is dumb.

Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver media have been at the forefront of bashing the officiating . Chicago and 28 other cities should join that rally becuase NHL officiating is as legit as Russian /France figure skating officials.
- VANTEL

Vancouver isn't the only place that notices the inconsistency and low quality level of NHL officiating. All you have to do is turn on your TV and watch for 15 minutes any night of the week.

Maybe the complaints of the Canucks which are legitimate fall on deaf ears because of some of the characters who occupy roster spots on that team have either embarrassed officials or the league thru some of their previous antics......

James Wisniewski

Shanny was laying out stiff penalties early in the year untill a few owners threatened his job.
- VANTEL

Wiz had one or more lengthy suspensions on his docket well before his incident with Clutterbuck. Not comparable at all.

You should look at this video - you might learn something homer.

http://video.nhl.com/vide...onsole?catid=60&id=123678
- docmorgan

A Canucks fan calling the Hawks blogger a homer? How original.

...Hopefully someday soon the NHL rule book and its enforcement will better resemble other major sports rather than the Roller Derby. The game’s popularity shouldn’t be held back due to dangerous behavior of players, subpar officiating and inconsistent rulings from the NHL.

Shanahan handing out fines/suspensions, is like asking Butch Cassidy to corral bank robbers. Some consistency, please!:http://bit.ly/GMUG5y

Today on My Fox Chicago....On Twitter @AlCimaglia
- Al

Nice article Al.

It would be quite refreshing if the NHL could bring themselves to admit that on ice officials do make mistakes and that discipline handed out has been inconsistent but they are working on improvements in that area.
But that isn't in the DNA of the Bettman NHL is it. Admitting problem areas would hurt sales of hats and jerseys, TV viewership and all of the carefully worded press announcements proclaiming the sport has never been better.

Much better to practice denial than admit some things just aren't right.

Vancouver isn't the only place that notices the inconsistency and low quality level of NHL officiating. All you have to do is turn on your TV and watch for 15 minutes any night of the week.

Maybe the complaints of the Canucks which are legitimate fall on deaf ears because of some of the characters who occupy roster spots on that team have either embarrassed officials or the league thru some of their previous antics......
- RickJ

I think I know those characters of whom you speak of. Again two wrongs don't make a right. Burrows definitely dove and the other player was given a major penalty .Auger did tell Burrows he would get him back and he did.Does that make the NHL better because they have a corupt Ref who delibertly threw a game. If you go on You Tube there are videos of Joe thorton diving, and Drew Doughty also. If the NHL seen the video and knew Burrows dove then suspend him ,don't corrupt a game in which 18 000 paying customers went to see their home play and hopefully win.

The winter classic this year , was another situation of the NHL stepping in to corrupt a game. Ask Torts what he thought of the NHL manipulating games.He told us and then retracted because of the hefty fine to follow if he didn't. This is not a one off. There are so many games where the NHL has phantom calls to give the home team a chance to tie it up. This is a corupt league and they are stealing our game from us.