Sunday, June 02, 2013

Blackhawks Dave Bolland won’t be suspended for hit on Kings Mike Richards



Chicago Blackhawks Dave Bolland will not be suspended or receive anymore scrutiny for his questionable hit on L.A. King forward Mike Richards. Yesterday I had said, “I have to think, based on everything that we have seen so far in the playoffs that this could be a potential one game suspension for Bollard.” I still there if there has been more time between games, there might have been more of a look at this play by the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Also, there was "no" penalty called on the play.
“He was there,” Bolland said of his jarring hit on Kings center Mike Richards in the final minutes of the Hawks’ 2-1 victory Saturday in Game 1 at the United Center. “I just came in and hit him.”

There apparently won’t be any repercussions — at least, not from the league. There was some concern that Bolland would face a suspension because the principal point of contact was Richards’ head, but the league decided against holding a hearing for Bolland, meaning he won’t face any discipline. [Adam L. Jahns, Suntimes.com]
I know that L.A. Kings fans will not be happy with this call and there is more examples of inconsistency during the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. If a repeat offender had made that call or if that had been against a star player would there have been a hearing this morning? I don't know? Maybe Crosby has a point? It could be his delivery though and how he relays his message.



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