Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
Simon Gagne has a history of concussion problems, and in Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night, he took a shot to the head from Chris Kunitz.
The really quick video (don't blink or you'll miss it):
Here's a GIF that shows the really ugly side of the hit. Not for the queasy.
It's the exact definition what Rule 48 hoped to ban last year in the aftermath of Matt Cooke's hit on another concussion-prone star, Marc Savard of the Bruins. Blindside elbow to the head. Disgusting and unacceptable.
Of course, this is the NHL, officiating is a crap shoot, and Kunitz was only out for two minutes. You've gotta expect that he'll get suspended for this one after the fact, although it'll be interesting to see for how long since Gagne is still in the game. No injury means minor suspension, right? Even if it's obviously worthy of a suspension?
This wasn't the only questionable hit in the game, though. In the first period, Steve Downie absolutely plastered Ben Lovejoy behind the net,
Downie's hit was reminiscent of the one he laid on Dean McAmmond in 2007, after which he was suspended by the NHL for 25 games. Ah, reputation. We'll see where each of these hits land on the Wheel of Justice, but in your opinion, which is worse?
5 comments
Travis Hughes:
VIDEO: Chris Kunitz Elbow, Steve Downie Hit Stain Pens Vs. Bolts Game 3
5
Apr 18
Comments
Clearly the Kunitz hit was worse
Downie’s was in the trapezoid…discretion optional.
"Gervais...he looks danger in the fist with his face!" JPinVA
Website: Lighthousehockey.com Twitter: @KeithLHHockey
by Keith Quinn on Apr 18, 2011 9:45 PM EDT reply actions
I really hope the NHL starts sending a message to these clowns
by Kevin McCauley on Apr 18, 2011 9:47 PM EDT reply actions
Kunitz hit. Downie’s was violent, reckless, risky and stupid. Kunitz was violent, reckless, risky and blatantly intentional.
by VorAbaddon on Apr 18, 2011 10:40 PM EDT reply actions
Kunitz was def worse. That .gif shows it all.
Of Philadelphia:
I always think it's a sign of victory when they move on to the ad hominem.
by phinally on Apr 18, 2011 10:41 PM EDT reply actions
Kunitz
Don't play F A G! Do not play F A G! Don't- (BLAST F). OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU (BLAST A) DOING?! I SAID NOT TO (BLAST G)!
by DFWTrojanTuba on Apr 18, 2011 11:38 PM EDT reply actions
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