Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Right. Which is why the decision will come down predominantly on the video evidence, which quite clearly shows Wideman's stick in his hands making contact with Henderson's head, and in a situation that appears quite easily avoidable. Given those circumstances, I would think the language of Rule 40.3 reasonably applies here.
What you just described was a deliberate application of physical force. What makes this instance so unusual is that there is nothing from the video to suggest that it was simply an unavoidable collision. Wideman definitely takes action to contribute to the injury of the official, and without the ability to determine intent, or to clearly rule it out, the video on its own looks pretty damning.
I heard three former NHL players weigh in on this case on the radio yesterday, and they were emphatic and unanimous about it. We can't know what Wideman was thinking at the time, but his actions deserve a lengthy suspension.
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I appreciate your position, and respectfully disagree. The extending of the arms could be deemed the result of incidental contact, and protecting himself therefrom as reactionary, and not deliberate.
Again, I don't think he should be suspended, but suspect he will be.
I anticipate something like this:
The National Hockey League has suspended Dennis Wideman for three games for his actions in a play involving Linesman Don Henderson in a game on January 27, 2016. In interviewing the Player, we appreciate his explanation that he did not see Linesman Henderson, which is indicated by his attempt to move his feet out of the way of the collision at the last moment. However, while we do not feel there was any intent to injure Linesman Henderson, the extension of the arms was an unnecessary portion of the collision, which resulted in further chance at injury, and ultimately the player is responsible for this push after the original incidental contact. Based upon the fact that Dennis Wideman is not a repeat offender, that this was accidental contact, but that Dennis Wideman is ultimately responsible for his reaction which resulted in Linesman Henderson colliding with the boards, we have suspended Dennis Wideman for three games.