Dustin Brown knees Jaden Schwartz

s/t to Kukla Korner... So, L.A. Kings forward Dustin Brown was suspended two games a week and a half ago for elbowing the  Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville, probably ending his season and now we see Brown doing this. Last night, Brown was assessed a two minute minor at the 16:58 mark of the first period for tripping Blues forward Jaden Schwartz, but you can see this could have been a lot worse.

So, I am interested in knowing what the explanation for this one is? To me, it would appear that Brown didn't learn his lesson from last week. We are told that he's not a dirty player and that he's only been suspended once by the NHL. I guess, I don't think he's a dirty player either, but the fact remains that he's leading with his elbow.

I am wondering why more people more upset with this hit?  We have a guy that was hurt by what appears to be a legal hit, the guy that hit him is going to have a hearing today and the hit in question is receiving a ton of chatter. If Brown connects with that elbow on Jaden Schwartz, he probably has  yet another hearing. This would be his second in a two week period.  Had Brown been facing another hearing, he would've been probably been facing his  second  suspension in less than two weeks. Thoughts on this one. Edit: Gryba was given a two game suspension by the NHL for his hit on Eller.

Dustin Brown hit on Antoine Roussel

I found this little news tidbit on Michael Russo’s blog, obviously, we don’t see every hit or very news story, but it appears that Dustin Brown came very close to being suspended by the National Hockey Leagues Department of Player Safety earlier in the week for this questionable hit on Dallas Stars forward Antoine Roussel.

via Russo’s Rants -- Brown, who amazingly has never been suspended, does this time and time again and somehow gets away with it. In my opinion, he should have gotten suspended for what I thought was a very dirty elbow on Dallas’ Antoine Roussel two nights ago.

Brown, "Pominville ran into his elbow"

I am not a Dustin Brown hater by any stretch of the imagination, he's a good American players, but when you make a mistake you own up to and you move on. These comments that he made about his elbow on Jason Pominville are laughable, if not insulting.

Helene Elliott and Lisa Dillman, Los Angeles Times – Obviously we were disappointed in the decision, quite honest," Sutter told The Times. "Because it was exactly what Brownie says is exactly what happened. There was no intention, or leading. When you’re playing your wrong side, you protect the puck on that side of the ice. That’s what you do, you keep two hands on your stick.

"His elbow was up. Pominville ran into his elbow. Brownie wasn’t intentionally looking for somebody or looking for the players’ head. But the other side of it, it’s elbow-head contact.”

Does Dustin Brown expect us to believe that? Seriously? It's not very hard to see what your intent was, that was a chicken wing elbow, Brown meant to make contact with the head of his opponent.

Moving forward, I am glad that Brendan Shanahan and the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety had the stones to suspend Brown for this hit. I expect any player to be suspended for these kind of hits, because these are the types of hits, that the NHL is trying to eliminate from the game of hockey. Regardless of who is doing them.

Kings Brown suspended 2 games for hit on Jason Pominville

@bush1124 The NHL has no choice, they have to suspend him for this hit.
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) April 24, 2013

First off, I was right, the NHL had no choice, they had to suspend Dustin Brown for his hit on Jason Pominville. In my opinion, the hit was a text book violation of the NHL's Rule 48. Obviously, we can debate that if you want. Also, this suspension doesn't make Brown a dirty player, but he does play with an edge and he does play on the edge. It was only a matter of time before he was suspended by the NHL.

Michael Russo, Russo Rants --- Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown has been suspended the final two games of the Kings regular season, the Los Angeles Times' Lisa Dillman reported. The suspension stems from Brown's elbow to the face of Wild winger Jason Pominville in the second period last night.

Brown, who had played in 314 consecutive games, will be well-rested for the beginning of the playoffs next week. The first of those games comes tonight against Detroit, which is probably not a good thing for the Wild, which is being chased by the 9th-place Red Wings (three points back with three games left).

"I had the puck on my stick, he’s coming to hit me and I’m just bracing myself," Brown said when I asked him about the elbow last night.

The Wild didn't practice today, but official word thus far is Pominville is day to day with an upper body injury. GM Chuck Fletcher said it was too early to know yet if the Wild needs to recall a forward. If Pominville is sidelined, the Wild has no extra on the roster right now unless Mike Rupp is ready to return Friday from a knee injury. Otherwise, the Wild will have to look to the Houston farm.

BLOG: Dustin Brown suspended two games for elbow to Jason Pominville's face bit.ly/12iCZZw
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 24, 2013

This removes any doubt; Brown's dirty elbow on Pominville

Still shot of Dustin Brown's elbow that injured Jason Pominville #mnwild #lakings twitter.com/Russostrib/sta…
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 24, 2013

s/t to Michael Russo... In case anyone is confused, this was a text book hit to the head and a violation of rule 48. Jason Pominville's head is targeted by Dustin Brown.

48.1 Illegal Check to the Head – A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered.

Dustin Brown elbows Jason Pominville

Check out this dirty elbow by the Kings forward Dustin Brown on Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville, there was no call on the play and he didn't return to the game after the hit. This is unacceptable and it should be a 2-3 game suspension from the NHL, but I can tell you right now, that Department of Players Safety, led by Brendan Shanahan will not give Brown the suspension he deserves, because we are approaching the Stanley Cup playoffs. I would be very shocked if he is given the suspension that he deserves.

Elbow to Pominville's head by Brown right in front of the ref...No call...That is unreal
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 24, 2013

If Dustin Brown is playing against the #redwings tomorrow, I'd be shocked -- Which is actually not good for the #mnwild #lakings
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 24, 2013

Dustin Brown Drops the F-Bomb

You never know what's going to come out of someone's mouth at the moment of extreme excitement. Dustin Brown you earned it and it was funny to see that Pierre McQuire didn't even blink and continued on with his interview.

Brown exclaimed, "You never know, that's why we F'N play."

Parise's and the Devils tough night

Here is the New Jersey Devils beat writer’s perspective on Zach Parise’s game one of the Stanley Cup Finals – Parise like the rest of the Devils looked like they were a little flat and maybe they were holding their sticks a little tight as well.

Mike Vorkunov, The Star-Ledger --- There was Zach Parise sprawling around the Kings net, desperate for any chance to finally make his mark on the opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Devils’ captain had been quiet to that point, outplayed by Dustin Brown – his counterpart. Brown hadn’t scored but at least he threw his body around, setting the tone for a rough and rumbling Game 1. All Parise had done to that point was two shots on goal, one of which had accidentally slid off of his stick and to the goal.

But there he was, his opportunity waiting, as the puck stayed in front of Jonathan Quick. And all Parise could muster was to stick his glove out, from the outside of the net, and knock the puck in over the goal line. For a moment the Prudential Center erupted.

One thing that was evident last night was that the Devils didn’t bury their offensive opportunities when they had a chance.  Devils forward David Clarkson had two grade “A” scoring opportunities early in the game from the slot, only to shoot the puck over the Kings net.

Dustin Brown picture after hit on Michal Rozsival

I found this picture on my Twitter feed, this might not sit well with Phoenix Coyotes fans.

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• Dustin Brown Doesn't Deserve Suspension for Controversial Hit on Michal Rozsival (Video)

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Dustin Brown hit on Michal Rozsival

I think this is the next hit that will probably get a look from the NHL Department of Player Safety. This hit has also generated a lot of discussion on twitter at the end of the game.

I also expect, L.A. Kings forward Dustin Brown will get a call from the Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan. Whether that hit deserves a suspension is another thing.

I do believe that the NHL has to review this hit, even though there was no penalty called on the play. I think that  Michal Rozsival who had been diving and flailing around on the ice minutes before when he was tapped by a Kings players stick, probably led to there being no call on the play. If you cry wolf enough times who is going to believe you when you really get hurt, right?

If you look at second angle of the hit, it looks worse than the first clip that you saw at game speed. I also think that Jess Myers has a point with his tweet below.

Just for the record I would not want to be in Brendan Shanahan's shoes, I don't think it's an admirable position, not after this post season.

One person pinged me this to me on twitter -  he doubts that Shanahan has the stones to suspend the Kings Captain for game 1. I guess we will find out - does Shanahan have the stones - he has proven already that he has the balls to suspended two superstars players in  Claude Giroux and Nicklas Backstrom during the earlier rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. These actions leads me to believe that he might have the stones to do so. I wouldn't want to be in Brown's shoes right now.

Either way I really don't care, do you think that this hit deserves a suspension, fine or nothing at all. Personally, I just hope the Devils and Rangers series can fill the void until next Wednesday when the Stanley Cup Finals start.

Former Phoenix Coyotes tough guy seems to think that Dustin Brown will be suspended for his hit on Michal Rozsival and this is what he tweeted tonight.

Coyotes' Hanzal suspended one game

The National Hockey League has acted swiftly and suspended Phoenix Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal for boarding Kings forward Dustin Brown during the third period of last nights game. For his efforts Hanzal will miss Thursday night's game in Los Angeles, California between the Kings and the Coyotes.

NEW YORK -- Phoenix Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal has been suspended for one game for boarding Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown during Game 2 of the teams’ Western Conference Final playoff series Tuesday in Phoenix, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 11:01 of the third period. Hanzal was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding.

As with any suspension there are going to be fans that aren't happy with the suspension or think the suspension should be longer and isn't tough enough. I actually think Brown is lucky he wasn't hurt during the hit.

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• Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown draws Phoenix Coyotes' ire

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Mike Smith does his best Ron Hextall impersonation

You know the announcers are right, this isn't new to the NHL and Ron Hextall would be impressed with Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith  and his chop of the Kings forward Dustin Brown.

I think when a goalie does this type of a bush leagues move it opens him up to reprisals. While I don't condone this move by Smith - sometimes this tactic works because it sends a message to other forwards - in essence Smith is telling the Kings that the Phoenix goal crease is not a place to be fooling around and you might want to watch yourself while you're around the crease area.

Penalties assessed: Smith was given a two minute minor for slashing and Dustin Brown was given a two minute minor for diving. Personally, I think the diving penalty that was assessed to Brown was a horrible call.

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• Brown takes a beating in Game 2

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Coyotes' Hanzal has Disciplinary hearing today

Phoenix Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal has a hearing today with the NHL's department of Player Safety and after looking at the video – I would imagine that Hanzal "should" get at least a one or two game suspension for this brutal hit on Kings forward Dustin Brown.

Now that I said that and based on how inconsistent Brendan Shanahan has been during the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff  – add to the fact that Hanzal isn't a repeat offender – the Department of Player safety "could" go easier on him and give him a the maximum fine.

NHL.COM --- Phoenix Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal will have a disciplinary hearing Wednesday with the NHL Player Safety Department following a boarding incident in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday.

Hanzal was penalized when he pushed the Kings' Dustin Brown from behind into the boards at 11:01 of the third period. Hanzal was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and a game-misconduct.

Two more bad hits from last night's game

At the 11:o1 mark of the third period Phoenix's Coyotes forward Martin Hanzal's drove the Kings forward Dustin Brown into the boards with push check. Hanzal was given a major penalty and a game misconduct for this play and could end up with a hearing with the Department of Player Safety for this hit.


The Coyotes forward Shane Doan was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for this hit on the Los Angeles Kings forward Trevor Lewis at the 16:29 mark of the second period of last night's game. On this play I believe the refs made the right call even though Lewis did turn towards the boards at the last second; the refs had no choice to give Doan a major penalty on this play.

Derek Morris goal from center ice

In tonight's Western Conference Final game between the Phoenix Coyotes and  Los Angeles Kings game, Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris scored an improvable goal on Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick from center ice. Quick has been almost unbeatable through two rounds in the playoffs. This just proves that there is nothing bad about a shot on goal.

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Henrik Sedin elbows Dustin Brown

This has been the talk of twitter tonight, Vancouver Canucks forward  Henrik Sedin elbowed Los Angeles forward Dustin Brown. Don't expect the league to look at this play; there are two sets of rules in the NHL, there are one set of rules for star players like the Sedin twins and then another set of rules for the tough guys and goons.

To me this seems kind of hypocritical that either of the Sedin's twins would play this way espeically after Daniel  hasn't played since March 21 because of a concussion he suffered after being elbowed by Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith would elbow someone in a game. The blood on Brown's face was from the puck according to Elliotte Friedman.

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• Canucks' Daniel Sedin returns after 12 games (espn.go.com)
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• Cory Schneider starts, Daniel Sedin likely to play for Vancouver Canucks tonight (vancouversun.com)

Having our cake and eating it too... Leave hockey alone

Logo for 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here is a good example of the disconnect between the fans and the media. To quote Don Cherry, "Quite whining that this stuff hasn't been going on and it's not hockey, it's hockey the way it's played and if you don't like it take up tennis, Cherry added. I can see these guys playing tennis these reporters, that's sweet love in their little white shorts."

Bruce Arthur, National Post --- In fact, the playoffs were careering into dangerous places without him. All across the NHL waves of violence — both typical and excessive — have swept across the game. Elbows, fights, concussions, the most penalty minutes in at least five years and four suspensions (and counting, pending further decisions on Game 3 in the Penguins-Flyers series) in the first 17 games played. There were four suspensions in the entirety of the 2011 playoffs.

Here is the crux of the article, the players and the fans are enjoying this years Stanley Cup Playoff games, or they wouldn't watch the games. The players wouldn't play the games if they didn't enjoy the game of hockey.

Timonen was not talking about hurting people, though. Few will argue that animosity and emotion are not a reason why playoff hockey can be great. Ask most players, and their eyes shine when they talk about it.

“That’s the way hockey should be,” Brière said. “It’s intense. Players are passionate, coaches are passionate, fans are passionate. This is what it’s all about. You come to a game, you want to see passionate teams go at it. You don’t want a boring game, with nothing going on. I think people that paid a price to come watch a playoff game, that’s what they want to see. 

That being said, that doesn't mean I don't want the perpetrators punished that need to be punished but, the rough and tumble hockey is fun to watch. The other night L.A. Kings forward Dustin Brown hit Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin with a legal  hard check. Point blank, Brown steam rolled Sedin and it was an awesome hockey play that happens hundreds of times during the National Hockey League's 82 game season. Again, if you don't like it go watch baseball.

As we used to say, get off of the track if you don't want to get run over by the train.

True to form, the whining coming out of the Vancouver fan base is excessive.

Seriously, there are hockey fans out there that want those types of hits taken out of the game of hockey. Why? Maybe they don't understand the game of hockey. It's part of the game... So there are people that want to take out the fights and the scrums and the extra b.s. and then the hitting as well and you will be left with Ice Capades.

We live in a gladiator society and people want to see bone crushing body checks, scrums checks and an occasional fights, we don't want to see the game of hockey wussified. I don't know many people that want t to see this European brand of hockey that's played on Olympic sheets of ice where there is no hitting and little action.

That's not to say that Brendan Shanahan the Vice President of Player Safety hasn't dropped the ball in the playoffs, because he has. The one game suspension to Matt Carkner for attacking Brian Boyle was a head scratchier and it will be interesting to see the ruling from the NHL going forward but I think we have been fortunate to be highly entertained during the first week of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.


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Sedin, "the hit was legal"

Calgary Herald Photo

There has been much discussion on the internet whether the Dustin Brown’s hit on Henrik Sedin was a legal hit or not. Sedin put that speculation to bed with his comments about the hit after last night's game.

Emotions boiled when Brown steamrolled Sedin with a shoulder hit in the Canucks captain's chest early in the second period, sending Sedin crawling to the bench and sparking a fight between Anze Kopitar and Alex Burrows. The hit wasn't penalized, and Sedin returned from a brief trip to the locker room.

Afterward, Sedin confirmed the hit was legal, and Brown spoke of his respect for Sedin. [Sports Illustrated]

Nice to see Henrik Sedin step up and recognized that the hit was a legal body check. Last time I checked, hockey is a physical sport and that body checks are part of the game.  The reaction of the Canucks after the hit was also predictable.

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• Sedin, "the hit was legal" (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Video of the Dustin Brown hit on Henrik Sedin (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Henrik Sedin admits Dustin Brown's hit was clean (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• Time running out for Canucks after 1-0 loss to Kings (theprovince.com)

Video of the Dustin Brown hit on Henrik Sedin

In my opinion this hit by L.A. Kings forward Dustin Brown on Vancouver Canucks forward Henrik Sedin is a clean shoulder to shoulder hit, maybe a second late, you will notice that CBC announcer Jim Huson and Craig Simpson didn't like the play and much to their chagrin, the refs didn't call a penalty on the play. The game immediately got chippy after this play.

There is an old saying in football, it's better to be the hammer than the nail. Just for the record, Sedin did go down the tunnel but he did return.

Dustin Brown levels Antti Miettinen

Here is the controversial hit from last night's Wild and LA Kings game. So did this warrant a 5 minute major and a game misconduct? From the video it does appear that Brown hit Miettinen high, however, it's kind of inconclusive if Brown was hit in the head.