Finally, the NHL Gets One Right

I’ve been very very very critical of Colin Campbell, the man in charge of doling out punishment for player transgressions, along with the proposed rule change by the group of NHL general managers who met for the winter meetings.  But yesterday, Campbell finally got one right.  Look, there has no doubt been an increase in illegal hits to the head.  I don’t want to see the very physical nature of the game taken away, or the fear factor disappear.  But the hit last night on Brent Seabrook of the Chicago Blackhawks by James Wisniewski of the Anaheim Ducks was shameful.

This is the kind of hit that is blatantly criminal.  Wisniewski was suspended for 8 games, in my mind, not enough, but a good start.  NHL players have got to get this shit under control and start showing a little respect for the game, if not their opponents.  As I’ve said before, when you hit someone you are attempting to both hurt them, and put it in their mind that the next time they go back for the puck they’ll get hit hard again.  But this serves no purpose.

The indiscretion here comes as Wisniewski goes up high to the head with his elbows as he hits Seabrook.  The hit would have been just as effecting had he kept his arms down, this is just blatant disrespect for the rules, the NHL, and a fellow player who’s career will now be altered by a concussion.

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