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Strange Brew · 05-11-2023, 12:35 PM

The hits on vulnerable or defenseless players also need to be defined. In football, it relates to receivers who are in the process of making a catch.

In the NHL, you could make a similar rule about players receiving a pass being defenseless.

Now in the NFL, someone carrying the ball is not considered defenseless. You can’t call a penalty for hitting a RB no matter how hard you hit them (unless it’s to the head).

IMO the NHL rules are just about right. Call major penalties for hits to the head. Consider a player vulnerable when they are receiving a pass or about to play the puck.

But carrying the puck in open ice with your head down? That’s not defenseless. A clean check to the body should be allowed there. And if you’re skating fast, that has the potential to be a very hard hit. So protect yourself.

05-11-2023, 12:35 PM	#94
Strange Brew Franchise Player Join Date: Sep 2011 Exp:	The hits on vulnerable or defenseless players also need to be defined. In football, it relates to receivers who are in the process of making a catch. In the NHL, you could make a similar rule about players receiving a pass being defenseless. Now in the NFL, someone carrying the ball is not considered defenseless. You can’t call a penalty for hitting a RB no matter how hard you hit them (unless it’s to the head). IMO the NHL rules are just about right. Call major penalties for hits to the head. Consider a player vulnerable when they are receiving a pass or about to play the puck. But carrying the puck in open ice with your head down? That’s not defenseless. A clean check to the body should be allowed there. And if you’re skating fast, that has the potential to be a very hard hit. So protect yourself.