I don't think that Boychuck will get suspended by the NHL for his hit on Stajan. It's a legal legit body check, when I first saw the hit I thought Boychuck had left his feet but I don't think so. Second, I am a big time Boston Bruins fans and while some might think this hit probably is in the questionable range, it is a perfect example of why you don't skate with your head down. From the video you can see that Matt Stajan skated across the blue line with his head down.
The Leafs head coach Wilson was upset with the hit and if you read his lips you will see him say it was a head shot. Of course who knows what will happened because there does seem to be a lack of logic to the NHL disciplinary system. We will have to see where the Wheel of Justice takes us.
Here is what the Stanley Cup of Chowder had to say on the hit:
- I thought Johnny Boychuk's hit was clean. He only left his feet after the initial contact . Stajan got caught with his head down in the neutral zone and unfortunately in the path of a big kid who is trying to make an impression at the NHL level.
Glad to see you came to your senses. This hit was textbook. Arms in, elbow down, lead with shoulder, don't leave your feet, and don't take a run... perfect. The officials made the right call, and should be given credit
ReplyDeleteI was tired when I wrote this last night, after reviewing it a few times it looked like Stajan got run over by the train. If this hit had happened in the WCHA the league officials would have given Boychuck a five minute major.
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