More needs to be done to increase safety. Anyone who disagrees is a lunatic. Nobody wants to remove all body contact from hockey.
One obvious measure is to institute a 'targeting' rule like in the NFL. You can't take 4 or 5 strides to line up a big hit. Hits should be about separating opponent from puck.
My bigger vision is to instill more respect in the game. In the NBA or NFL, throwing a punch in a scrum is usually an automatic ejection. Even starting a scrum in the NBA or NFL generally results in some penalties. This should NOT be the norm in the NHL after every other goalie stoppage. It is, and it's stupid, and it's stupid that fans are conditioned to cheer for scrums. Any non-hockey related violence should be suspendable. Scrum punches should result in ejections. Hacking at someones ankles/shins after a whistle should clearly be a suspension. Even facewashes should be penalties. Get rid of the childish nonsense. Respect your opponents. Play hockey.
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Gaudreau > Huberdeau AINEC
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