Steve Rosenbloom, The RosenBlog – Boston defenseman Johnny Boychuk went after Jonathan Toews' head with his forearm in the second period of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night. Toews didn’t play a shift in the third period. Game over. Game 6 over for Boychuk.I have always said, “that the NHL has two sets of rules. One for goon’s and fourth line players and one for super stars.” I don't know why the NHL didn't take action against Boychuk or why they pick and choose which hits to discipline. I don’t know how anyone can make rhyme or reason out of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety’s rulings anymore. They're allover the place.
Just as a penalty in the first period is supposed to be a penalty in the third period, then a head-hunting move in Game 5 of the final ought to warrant a suspension the way it does in Game 1 of the regular season.
It wouldn't matter if it was Viktor Stalberg instead of Toews, but I'd bet if it was done to Sidney Crosby, then Boychuk would've been suspended between periods.
The product the NHL is selling is not Boychuk’s act. It is selling exceptionally skilled players. It is selling stars such as Toews and Crosby.
Like Crosby, Toews is part of the Hart Trophy conversation. At least he is when Eastern writers stay up late to watch.
Also like Crosby, Toews is a repeated concussion victim whose head is targeted continually.
The league cannot afford these kinds of acts. The Hawks certainly can’t.
I like everyone else is confused, as a Bruins fan, I guess I am kind of relieved that Boychuk can play, but know he may have gotten away with one, but so have a lot of other players, as well. It sounds like both Toews and Bergy are going to play in game six tonight.