Quote:
Originally Posted by strombad
The only way consistency is going to be achieved is if hits to the head are suspensions, period. It doesn't matter if it was an accident, if he took the wrong angle, whatever. You hit the head, you get a suspension. Shanahan got this right.
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Agreed. The NFL has a similar policy for hits to the head on QBs. If you hit the QB's head, it's a personal foul penalty of 15 yards. They don't want the refs having to make judgement calls about how hard the hit to the helmet was, since different refs could see it differently. Just like catching the ball, you caught it, or you didn't. If we can get hits to the head eliminated in hockey and football, it will be better for players and fans.
A player is responsible for his stick. If he highsticks a guy (not in the motion of shooting) it's a penalty. It may be an accident, but it's still a penalty. It also eliminates the decision from the ref about whether the player is trying to make it look like an accident. This leads to less controversy. I like a similar line of thinking on hits to the head. I also think that just because there was no call on the ice, doesn't mean he's immune. Like any crime, if there is evidence you did it, you can be punished.