EQF (2) Montreal Canadiens vs (7) Ottawa Senators (Senators win 4-1).

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Brutal!

[Ashasx]

Hell, even in minor hockey, that was a hit the coach would tell us to go for every single time.

I can already hear Shanahan's explanation. "vulnerable player", "unnecessary hit", "intent to hurt".

[kerriffic]

Seriously that is messed up. The CBC panel, TSN panel, and the NBC panel all unanimously agreed last night that this was not a suspension worthy hit.

I'd love to know Shanny's explanation, Kowtowing to pressure from Montréal fans and media so as not to incite a riot??

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by transplant99

This, quite simply, is not the game i grew up watching and have loved my whole life.

Agreed that this hit was not suspension worthy, but this game hasn't been that game for a looong time

[troutman]

NHL Habs Justice.

I expect the MTL police to lay criminal charges momentarily.

[puckluck2]

#### the NHL! What a joke. Shanahan needs to have his keys taken away, what an utter fool.

[valo403]

What a joke

[calumniate]

Unbelievable... suspending based on results of the play and not by the rule book yet again.

I can't see how Shanahan's justice code is a deterrent. 'If you launch a missile and it doesn't hit anyone, then whatevs'.

Guess I'll do my best to stay calm.. sigh.

[Hockeyguy15]

So I'm guessing that Shanahan thought the initial point of contact was his head?

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by kerriffic

I'd love to know Shanny's explanation, Kowtowing to pressure from Montréal fans and media so as not to incite a riot??

Oh, no! Blood!

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

So I'm guessing that Shanahan thought the initial point of contact was his head?

If that is the case, then Shanahan is as blind as he is stupid.

[kerriffic]

How does he justify two games for this, but one game for a repeat offender in Ference?

[united]

Originally Posted by fotze

Insert hyperbole about this suspension spelling the end of times.

Isn't there some clause now about not hitting a player in a susceptible position? Even though the player puts themself in it?

Eric Macramalla blogged on it this morning. There is a clause for excessive force even on legal contact.

Another important consideration is the NHL CBA. It sets out the factors relied upon when determining whether to impose supplemental discipline. Here's the language from the CBA:
In deciding on supplementary discipline, the following factors will be taken into account as per paragraph 6 of Schedule 8 (this is the old CBA but it shouldn’t change):
(a) The type of conduct involved: conduct outside of NHL rules; excessive force in contact otherwise permitted by NHL rules; and careless or accidental conduct. Players are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
(b) Injury to the opposing Player(s) involved in the incident.
(c) The status of the offender, and specifically whether he is a "first" or "repeat" offender. Players who repeatedly violate NHL rules will be more severely punished for each new violation.
(d) The situation of the game in which the incident occurred: late in the game,lopsided score, prior events in the game.
(e) Such other factors as may be appropriate in the circumstances.
Of there factors, Paragraph 6(a) is key. It provides for discipline in cases of illegal hits or legal hits delivered with excessive force.
http://offsidesportsblog.blogspot.ca/

I completely disagree with the ruling. The video explanation will reveal their thought process but I don't think it will change my mind.

[SuperMatt18]

Suspended the result and not the action. B.S.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

It's two games for the injury and the optics of Eller and blood on the ice.

It cannot be for the hit itself.

Shanahan and the NHL screwed up on this big time.

[kerriffic]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

It's two games for the injury and the optics of Eller and blood on the ice.

It cannot be for the hit itself.

Shanahan and the NHL screwed up on this big time.

Chemmy ‏@felixpotvin 7m
Weird that it took this long for someone to finally re-enact NHL 94.

[calumniate]

Ference gets one, Bieksa gets zero on Stajan, and this guy gets 2. Guess he should have put his elbow into it

[Voodooman]

If this hit happens in the DET/ANA series, there's no suspension. The Montreal effect strikes again.

Sheriff Shanny gives the suspension to calm things down. What a gutless call. I can't beleive someone who was such a stand-up guy as a player has turned into the biggest weenie in the league.

[CaptainCrunch]

Its what I would call a preventative suspension. It prevents certain craziness in Montreal from the fans and from the Montreal players, they think justice is served.

This is equivalent to a 4 game suspension in the regular season which is excessively harsh for a I think first time offender.

Especially on a hit that most of the free world see's as a nasty but clean hit.

While its certainly not a death knoll for hockey it does call the NHL discipline head's integrity into question. As a Flames fan I can certainly say that as Matt Stajan took two brutal blatent head shots this year and Shanny did nothing.

This is certainly not a just suspension and Ottawa should be absolutely livid about this an so should the NHLPA.

Melnyk and the Sens coaches and players should be willing to take fines to blast this decision.

The press should cleverly title the article "The Montreal Screw Job Part 2" Starring Shanny as Vince McMahon.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

So if Eller got right back up would there be a suspension?

Nope.

The NHL is now handing out suspensions due to injuries, and not the hit itself. Sad times.