Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadaMatt
Buff's cross check could have ended a career, the fact he got 'lucky' should not be a factor in the suspension. Rest of the season and playoffs, just like Bertuzzi.
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I very much want that, and from a non-biased Flames-fan perspective, a lengthy suspension for these plays would be good for the game. However I am skeptical it will be more than 2 games because:
- Heat of the moment play. Not pre-meditated like Bertuzzi
- Context of the playoff push. We all know suspensions are shorter during playoffs, and Winnipeg is basically in playoff time right now in terms of urgency
- Movement prior to contact. I don't doubt that Buff intended ill will, but he will argue that the player was falling down/rolling as contact was made
- No injury
The fact that it was not pre-mediated and that there was movement prior to contact are good reasons to give a suspension shorter than if those were not true. How they apply in this context is arguable, but you can bet that if Buff gets a hearing, he will argue these. The other two (context of playoffs and injury) are BS.