Quote:
Originally Posted by heep223
The hit was "a little late and little high" according to Corrado.
That is absolute crap. This was not a hit - it was a blatant elbow. His elbow to JG's head was the only part of his body that contacted the player at all. Furthermore he was specifically targeting Johnny:
"I saw an opportunity to make a hit on one of their skill players."
Guys I understand the need to be aware of the fact that we're biased etc...but this was a targeted headshot. He lunges out with his elbow, Johnny doesn't put himself in a "vulnerable position" right before the hit.
48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered.
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I have tried to be unbiased about the hit, but it is very evident that he was going to miss his check and last second he threw out his arm towards the head. Was it his intention to go after the head? Maybe not, he was trying for a big hit and missing that he instinctively threw out his arm, it connected with the head and as such it should be a major and further penalty should occur. The problem is that his "instinction" was to throw out the arm and that is what needs to be addressed, until these guys change their "instinction" they will continue to get majors. If they continue then they will eventually be out of the game of hockey all together, hopefully not ending a career in the meantime. But hardly a game goes by that you don't see a similar play from someone who misses a big check and throws out an arm, many times it doesn't hit the head but against a smaller player chances are better imo.