NHL Player Safety @NHLPlayerSafety
24m
NY Islanders’ Ross Johnston will have a hearing today for an Illegal Check to the Head on New Jersey’s A.J. Greer.
You hear the opposition saying that the Isles beat a depleted New Jersey Devils team. That they did not play the Islander Hockey brand.
To this I say, good teams find a way to win. Good teams beat the teams that they are suppose to beat.
I really like the development of Wally and Dober. They have shown me a lot through the season so far. I like the chances Bellows has been getting.
Lastly, I like the energy that Ross brought the four line. I do not think they should be quick to put Matty back in the line-up just yet.
One game at a time. One game at a time. LGI - Nfdbulldawg
Before last night the Isles had played, I think, 3 games in 24 days or something like that. They didn't play a perfect game last night and probably should've won more comfortably but they've been getting jerked around so much with the schedule that it's hard to blame them. They were lucky that their opponent was depleted and not particularly good anyway....better than getting thrown to the wolves playing a top team that's healthy.
NHL Player Safety @NHLPlayerSafety
24m
NY Islanders’ Ross Johnston will have a hearing today for an Illegal Check to the Head on New Jersey’s A.J. Greer.
- eichiefs9
If he gets more than a fine it is an injustice. Ross did not go head hunting on this.
If he gets more than a fine it is an injustice. Ross did not go head hunting on this. - Nfdbulldawg
He caught him in the head. Doesn't have to really be head-hunting to deserve a suspension. He caught him in the head with a real late hit and Greer left the game injured and didn't return. I'd expect him to get a game or two and don't think that'd be unfair.
Location: Coming to a jail near you Joined: 10.14.2014
Jan 14 @ 1:18 PM ET
He caught him in the head. Doesn't have to really be head-hunting to deserve a suspension. He caught him in the head with a real late hit and Greer left the game injured and didn't return. I'd expect him to get a game or two and don't think that'd be unfair. - eichiefs9
I missed the hit last night, so I don't really have an opinion. I would just note that Johnston is listed at 6'5", so he's bigger than most of the guys in the NHL, including Greer who's listed at 6'3". If he (Johnston) delivers a hit with his shoulder, it could be into a smaller guy's head without Johnston's skates ever leaving the ice. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but it seems to me that head-hunting is a relevant issue, even if you are just determining the degree of punishment. So is the issue you raise that the hit was late.
I missed the hit last night, so I don't really have an opinion. I would just note that Johnston is listed at 6'5", so he's bigger than most of the guys in the NHL, including Greer who's listed at 6'3". If he (Johnston) delivers a hit with his shoulder, it could be into a smaller guy's head without Johnston's skates ever leaving the ice. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but it seems to me that head-hunting is a relevant issue, even if you are just determining the degree of punishment. So is the issue you raise that the hit was late. - JohnScammo
It wasn't a completely egregious hit and shouldn't be cause for outrage from anyone...but it's definitely not legal and may be a suspendable offense because of the injury and lateness
I missed the hit last night, so I don't really have an opinion. I would just note that Johnston is listed at 6'5", so he's bigger than most of the guys in the NHL, including Greer who's listed at 6'3". If he (Johnston) delivers a hit with his shoulder, it could be into a smaller guy's head without Johnston's skates ever leaving the ice. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but it seems to me that head-hunting is a relevant issue, even if you are just determining the degree of punishment. So is the issue you raise that the hit was late. - JohnScammo
Greer was also hunched over a bit. If that hit gets him suspended then the NHL has lost all kinds of credibility imho. Like I said before he shouldn’t even be suspended. Hell Wilson throws a hit like that every other shift.
Location: Coming to a jail near you Joined: 10.14.2014
Jan 14 @ 1:42 PM ET
It wasn't a completely egregious hit and shouldn't be cause for outrage from anyone...but it's definitely not legal and may be a suspendable offense because of the injury and lateness
Thanks for the video. I honestly don't think it was egregious at all. Johnston's skates never left the ice. His arms were at his side. I saw nothing that resembled head-hunting. I don't even agree that the hit was really late. In slow motion, all hits look late.
Greer appeared to be partially bent over and Johnston should have let up, because Greer was in a vulnerable position, so the penalty was warranted. Regarding additional punishment by the League, maybe a fine, but not a suspension. I don't recall Johnston being a repeat offender.
Location: Coming to a jail near you Joined: 10.14.2014
Jan 14 @ 1:43 PM ET
Greer was also hunched over a bit. If that hit gets him suspended then the NHL has lost all kinds of credibility imho. Like I said before he shouldn’t even be suspended. Hell Wilson throws a hit like that every other shift. - nyisles7
It wasn't a completely egregious hit and shouldn't be cause for outrage from anyone...but it's definitely not legal and may be a suspendable offense because of the injury and lateness
Depending on how the Department of Player Safety decides too handle it, I can see you point as Ross could be suspended. The was late. Watching it last night, it did not seem as late but when you go to slow motion you can see it a little clearly. Greer needs to have his head up as well. He is part at fault here as well.
Players need to be accountable on both sides of the puck. I remember a few times when I was playing that the coach would say you need to keep your head or you will get hurt.
I don't recall Johnston being a repeat offender. 
