Quote:
Originally Posted by Beatle17
Do you think that every player who is close to the puck is fair game for predatory hits (as an example, the puck is cleared around the boards and a player is waiting), does the defenceman have a right to step up and crush him because the puck is coming to him?
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Not unless he has touched the puck before the moment of contact.
It's part of the game though, "Do I take the hit to get the puck out?"
Have to have awareness out there, Orpik is not the first guy to blow someone up with a clean body check as they wait for a pass to come around the boards.
It's not just about the hit, it's about retaining possession in the offensive zone.
That pinching defender is a strong part of Pittsburgh's system, but the result is largely dependent on the guy pinching. Letang or Martin probably don't blow you up, Orpik definitely does.
Eriksson needs more communication from his teammates on that play, but more importantly, has to wait until he's in possession before taking off if he doesn't want to eat a shoulder pad.