Quote:
Originally Posted by Gator Mike
So, here would be my biggest problem with the Orpik hit.
When did "Keep your head up", turn into "Keep your head up, or I'm going to put you in the hospital and/or possibly end your career and/or permanently degrade your quality of life"???
Even if the hit was "clean", when did NHLers lose enough respect for each other that they're out there trying to concuss opponents? It's not even something specific to Orpik as there are a ton of hits every night in the NHL that fall into this category.
I dunno. I just remember a guy like Ray Bourque playing 20+ years as a devastating body checker, and I don't ever remember him sending anyone to the hospital.
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Scott Stevens, Wendel Clark, Eric Lindros, Rob Blake and Chris Pronger say hello.
Hockey has been a physical game since day 1, the issue at hand is that the new generation is being groomed to play the high speed, high scoring game, especially the europeans, where they are paying more attention to the puck, than their surroundings. The Orpik hit is a clear case of that, Ericsson looks from right to left, keeping his eye solely on the puck, rather than even for a split second looking up to see if he was in the clear. All the debate about taking big hits and fighting out of hockey, is giving the skill players the idea that they don't have to worry about being hit, in a contact sport. it's ridiculous. I love the physical game, seeing a guy get hit clean, in open ice is absolutely one of the most exciting plays in the game.
It's like driving, you never go out planning to get in a serious collision, but you are aware that it happens, so if you're a good driver, you pay attention, and avoid them. If you're not paying attention, you're likely to get hit.