Quote:
Originally Posted by Corral
Yep - blanket no head shots rule is needed. So long as the NHL insists on scrutinizing the intent of the player who delivers the blow, hits to the head will unfortunately remain in the game. When a guy is hit and has to be held as he skates off the rink - its a head blow and the player delivering the hit should be suspended without pay - intentional or not. Much like it is when sticks get into the face and it draws blood - the extra penalty is based on harm to the victim.
No place for this in the game - the onus should be on Giordano to avoid the hit.
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Excuse me, the onus should be on Gio to avoid being run into by a player who is skating right in front of him through the slot with the puck and his head down? What's he supposed to do, step out of his way? Bow with a flourish and say "After you, sir"? Hitting the opponent to separate him from the puck is the appropriate play. A player who is properly positioned should not be forced to hook or hold an opponent just to avoid body contact. Aho's lack of awareness led to him being unprepared for a hit and to him changing body position immediately prior to the hit. He has no business crossing through the slot in front of a defenseman with no awareness of anything beyond his own skate laces.
Edit: with both skates on the ice, his elbow tucked in, and essentially remaining stationary holding the ground he is entitled to, one could argue that Gio did everything he possibly could to minimize the impact of the hit on Aho. Furthermore, the above photo demonstrates from the direction of Aho's head movement TOWARD Gio that the head could not have been the initial point of contact, otherwise the head should have been leaning away from Gio.