It seems like the only time the NHL makes national headlines is when something bad happens.
That was the case this past week in a game between Boston & Montreal. During the 2nd period there was a play along the boards where Zdeno Chara checks Max Pacioretty. The only problem was Chara drives him head first into the pylon that separates the benches.
Pacioretty suffered a severe concussion, & a fracture of the fourth cervical vertebrae as a result of the hit & was carried off on a stretcher. Chara was given a five minute major for interference & a game misconduct.
The NHL decided last week that Chara would not serve a suspension for the hit on Pacioretty & Montreal police police opened up an investigation whether they should proceed with criminal charges against Chara.
I have two opinions on this.
First of all Chara should have been suspended. Watching the hit I don't believe there was an intent to injure Pacioretty but when you are on the ice you need to be aware of where you are at all times. There was no need to lay a check on Pacioretty near the boards.
Chara is the tallest player in the league and stronger that most players on the ice. He says he holds back a lot in fear of hurting another player. It looked like he didn't hold back on that hit.
If Chara was given five minute major & a game misconduct for the hit then he should serve a suspension. If the NHL is serious about protecting the health of their players events like this should not go unpunished.
As for the Montreal police getting involved I highly disagree with that.
Yes it was a vicious hit but I don't believe there was any malicious intent to injure. The NHL is a fast paced game and unfortunately violent things can happen on the ice. It is up to the NHL to police the actions of the players not the local police department.
The only way the police should ever get involved is if the player is willing to file charges against the perpetrator. Pacioretty says he doesn't want to police getting involved so that should be the end of it.
I don't think we have heard the last of this incident. Montreal & Boston play each other again next Thursday in Boston and right now they are on pace to meet each other in the post-season. My guess is there will be some carryover of emotions next Thursday in Boston.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 22.
1. Vancouver 45 16 9 99 points
Can reach 100 points tonight just by reaching overtime against Minnesota.
2. Philadelphia 42 19 7 91 points
Chris Pronger is out 3-4 weeks with a hand injury. Not good news for a team that has lost four of their last six games.
3. Detroit 41 20 8 90 points
Back to Back wins over Edmonton & St. Louis get the Red Wings back on track after four game losing streak.
4. Washington 40 20 10 90 points
Speaking of streaks, The capitals have won eight in a row.
5. Pittsburgh 40 22 8 88 points
Good news Penguins fans, Sidney Crosby is skating again.
6. San Jose 39 22 8 86 points
Sharks are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games.
7. Boston 38 21 9 85 points
Bruins have lost their last four games.
8. Tampa Bay 38 22 9 85 points
Martin St. Louis & Steven Stamkos each have points in their last four games.
9. Los Angeles 39 25 5 83 points
If you are looking for a dark horse in the Western Conference start here.
10. Montreal 38 24 7 83 points
Here's to Max Pacioretty on making a speedy recovery.
11. Phoenix 36 23 11 83 points
I'll give the Coyotes credit, they are a lot better than I thought they would be this season.
12. Chicago 37 24 8 82 points
I think Jonathan Toews deserves serious consideration for the Hart Trophy.
13. Dallas 37 24 8 82 points
Stars get a boost with Brad Richards returning to the lineup.
14. Calgary 36 26 9 81 points
I still don't trust them.
15. Nashville 35 24 10 80 points
10 of their next 13 games are at home.Keep that in mind as the Predators make their playoff push.
16. Anaheim 37 27 5 79 points
Ducks better hope Jonas Hiller returns soon.
17. Minnesota 35 27 7 77 points
Back to back 4-0 defeats to Nashville & Dallas could doom Minnesota's playoff hopes.
18. Buffalo 34 27 8 76 points
Rest in Peace Rick Martin.
19. N.Y. Rangers 36 30 4 76 points
Play four of their next five games are at home.
20. Columbus 32 27 9 73 points
Hanging around in the playoff picture but time is running out.
21. Carolina 31 28 10 72 points
Hurricanes are 3 for 61 on the Power Play in their last 15 games.
22. St. Louis 31 29 9 71 points
Chris Stewart has 12 points (9G, 3A) since coming over from Colorado.
23. Toronto 30 29 10 70 points
Maple Leafs have had 15 of their last 20 games decided by one goal.
24. Atlanta 29 28 12 70 points
Four goal 3rd period leads to 5-4 Overtime win over Philadelphia on Saturday.
25. New Jersey 32 32 4 68 points
Devils are 22-3-2 in their last 27 games and they still can't gain ground on the Rangers & Sabres.
26. Florida 28 32 9 65 points
I have nothing to say about Florida so here is an overtime winner for you.
27. N.Y. Islanders 27 32 11 65 points
Interesting article on why the Islanders rebuilding is finally working.
28. Colorado 26 34 8 60 points
Avs have lost 17 of their last 18 games.
29. Ottawa 25 35 9 59 points
Senators have scored on the Power Play in their last three games.
30. Edmonton 23 38 9 55 points
Oilers are the 1st team eliminated from post-season contention. Thanks for playing.
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