Game-Ending Dust Up: Red Wings Justin Abdelkader Turtles

Detriot Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader was real brave at the end of game two when he was punching Mike Blunden as he laid on his back. At the end of game three, Abdelkader was again out on the ice during a game-ending dustup. Abdelkader should have been suspended during game three escaped the NHL wheel of justice.

This time, Tampa Bay Lightning forward and resident tough guy Brian Boyle came looking to collect. This time, Abdelkader turtled. Luckily for Abdelkader, the ref was able to rescue him before he had his ass handed to him. Fans are already taking to Twitter to show their thoughts on Abdelkader.

Here is a closeup of Justin Abdelkader looking at @BriBrows22 pic.twitter.com/RpGelE1tXW

— Christine Gunn (@ChristineLRM) April 18, 2016

Did Justin Abdelkader Cross the Line?

I saw this on the NHL Network last night and wanted to comment. Hockey Fights said this, "Abdelkader received a game misconduct for being the aggressor in an altercation; Blunden a minor for roughing. Michael Blunden did not receive a fighting major."

Punching someone as they lay on the ice isn't a fair fight. I think the NHL should take a serious look at Abdelkader's actions. I am all for settling things on the ice, this goes beyond that. Sean Gentille from the Sporting News has an interesting take on this matter.

Justin Abdelkader could probably be suspended. You shouldn't drop MMA-style fists and elbows on a guy when he's on his back, like Mike Blunden was on Friday night

In my opinion, this breaks the hockey code. I know, according to some, there's no longer a hockey code. If you want to fight a guy challenge him to a fight and get after it. However, hitting him while he lays in a defenseless position. Did Abdelkader cross the line? Should he be suspended? According to the Detroit's MLive , he's expected to play.

Pavel Datsyuk Scores his 10th Goal of the Year: (Justin Abdelkader High-Stick)

Two goals by the Detriot Red Wings and they were both semi-controversial. Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk scores his 10th goal of the year. From the video, it appears that Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader touched the puck with a high-stick. Thoughts?

Rask likely looking for a high stick call there. Play not reviewed. #NHLBruins still up, 3-2, late in the first.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 14, 2016

Datsyuk on the power play. Or again, is it? Abdelkader might have gotten a stick on Richards' shot above the crossbar.

— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) February 14, 2016

Goal stands as Datsyuk tallies his 900th career NHL point. Tuukka saves the Bruins' bacon off a turnover shortly after.

— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) February 14, 2016

(2/2) Possible high stick by Abdelkader not a reviewable play by Situation Room. Goal by Datsyuk then entered Boston net in a legal fashion.

— Jack Edwards (@RealJackEdwards) February 14, 2016

What's Wrong with NHL Officiating

In another episode of blow the f#*king whistle. I have no problem with Wild defenseman Ryan Suter locking up with Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader behind the net. That's two guys battling hard, that's hard-nosed hockey. In my opinion, Sutter started the incident. The box score will read:

19:44 DET Justin Abdelkader Roughing - 2 min against Ryan Suter
19:44 MIN Ryan Suter Roughing - 2 min against Justin Abdelkader

I do have a problem with the mugging that Zach Parise took from Danny Dekeyser. There should have been a minor penalty or two called on Dekeyser. The refs are again letting the obstruction go. They need to call the penalties that happen right in front of their eyes.

Wes McCauley, solid officiating there. Only ignored about 10 infractions

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) December 29, 2015

USA's Justin Abdelkader Suspended by the IIHF for hit on Vladimir Sobotka

Former Michigan State Spartan Justin Abdelkader has been give a three-game suspension by the IIHF for a hit to the head of Czech forward Vladimir Sobotka (video include above). My youtube video also made the USA Today Sports page.

Helene St. James, USA TODAY Sports -- The tournament showed both the good and ugly in Abdelkader's game. He had three goals and four points in seven games — but he also managed to get suspended for two separate incidents. It was the severity of the second one — a hit to the head of Czech forward Vladimir Sobotka — that resulted in Tuesday's announcement by the International Ice Hockey Federation of a three-game suspension. The suspension would take effect at the 2015 world championship (of course, there's no guarantee Abdelkader will appear in the tournament).

Justin Abdelkader blows up Vladimir Sobotka, fans voice their displeasure with him

#485534415 / gettyimages.com

Today I uploaded video of Justin Abdelkader's dirty hit on Czech Republic forward Vladimir Sobotka. The video of the hit has received almost 1200 views. Some of the comments directed at Abdelkader are down right rude and offensive.



Here's a sample of some of the comments. Language Alert...

(Video) USA forward Justin Abdelkader blows up Czech Republic's Vladimir Sobotka

USA forward Justin Abdelkader was given a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct for this hit on Czech Republic forward Vladimir Sobotka. In the NHL this would have been a five-minute major for contact to the head.

(Video) Robert Bortuzzo head shot on Jerry D'Amigo

Penguins Defenseman Robert Bortuzzo delivers a headshot on Maple Leafs forward Jerry D'Amigo. Bortuzzo was given a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head. I think there's a chance that Bortuzzo could get a call from the NHL's department of Player Safety.

I also agree with the fans that say that the Pittsburgh Penguins don't have the moral high ground, either. Lastly, Is this the same kind of hit that Deryk Engelland put on Justin Abdelkader? I don't know? Thoughts?

In looking at Bortuzzo/D'Amigo, we see unavoidable head contact on an otherwise full body hit. Will not be pursuing supplemental discipline.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 17, 2013

I don't believe Bortuzzo has a past history with supplemental discipline.
— Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) December 17, 2013

Check to the head penalty for Bortuzzo. This game has been fairly nasty, especially since goalie collision. #pens #Leafs
— Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) December 17, 2013

Jonathan Toews high stick on Justin Abdelkader...Was this Embellishment?

Former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews had a rough night for the Chicago Blackhawks, he beat a path to the penalty box, taking three minor penalties, this one was laughable based on some of the calls the on-ice officials have missed this season. Sure there was a penalty but, come on! Abdelkader sold this one big time with his Academy Award winning acting job. On this play, Johnny was assessed a two minute minor for high sticking Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader. So, what do think? Was there was some embellishment on the play from Abdelkader? I do believe there was. Thoughts and feelings…

Ian Cole suspended three games for hit on Justin Abdelkader

After blowing a bunch of calls against the Minnesota Wild since November 30th, 2011, but that's another story, Brendan Shanahan the NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety and Hockey Operations has finally made the right call again. This suspension was a no-brainer and Cole had to suspended or Shannahan would have lost all of his credibility. The Blues General Managers didn't think the hit was a reckless hit.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said he respected the NHL's decision, but he disputed the notion that Cole's play was reckless.

"I don't think it was a reckless play...I think it was a hockey play that was legal 12 months ago that's not legal today," he said. "I understand the sensitivity on hits to the head and we respect that, but I support Ian in the sense that it was a play that (Abdelkader) coming across the middle has to be aware, and unfortunately he wasn't. [stltoday.com]

Here is the suspension video.

Related articles

• Blues Ian Cole Suspended For Three Games For Hit To Justin Abdelkader (stlouis.sbnation.com)
• Blues D Cole suspended three games for hit to the head (tsn.ca)
• Blues' Cole delivers head hit to Red Wings' Abdelkader (aol.sportingnews.com)
• Blues defenceman Cole suspended 3 games (cbc.ca)