[Click to see video]Here is the latest hit to cause a stir around the NHL. Forty seconds into the game Lightning hack Steve Downie takes a run at Sidney Crosby’s knees. Not one of Sidney's teammates challenged Steve Downie to a fight, check out the game box score, Downie was given a roughing minor.
It is unacceptable to let a player of Downie’s ilk take a run at one of the best players in the NHL and not challenge him.
The league has fined Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Steve Downie $1,000 for taking down Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby during Sunday's game. Downie said he spoke to league disciplinarian Colin Campbell on Tuesday morning. He said there will not be a suspension.
"He called it a dangerous play," Downie said.
The play happened early in the first period when the two got tangled up and Crosby fell awkwardly with his right leg pinned underneath Downie. Downie said there was no intent to injure. There was no penalty on the play, and Crosby played the rest of the game.
Downie, who has worked very hard this season to not take stupid penalties, did not want to speculate on if his reputation, based on past actions, might have played into the decision, saying he just wants to move on. But he did say, "If he (Crosby) didn't fall in an awkward position, it wouldn't even be talked about." [Tampabay.com]
I don't have an hard time to believe the Downie did that on purpose.
ReplyDeleteI've seen many, many hockey players take 90+ mph slap shots to unprotected parts of the body and not look like they're in that much agony.
ReplyDeleteWe can only hope this sidelines Cindy along with his diving and whining antics for some time.
ReplyDeleteIf you watched the game, you would know that Kennedy and Letang smacked Downie around immediately following the hit, so the Pens did respond. They also (very smartly) gave Downie some extra business throughout the game, especially Orpik. The announcers even made some comments about the extra attendtion Downie was paid.
ReplyDeleteVery dirty hit.