It's about time that someone said this. It adds credibility when a former NHL Official is the one that is pointing this out. As a hockey fan, I have become disgusted with the amount of embellishment that plagues the NHL and NCAA hockey.
Kerry Frasier, TSN -- I concur with Mike Milbury and Eddie O's analysis with regard to obvious embellishment committed by PK Subban and Tomas Plekanec in the second period of Sunday night's game.This closing paragraph really hit home with me.
Even though the stick of Rick Nash did catch Subban in the face the upward launch with both legs was not a natural reaction or fall from being struck in that manner. Plekanec's theatrical performance was the absolute worst when he threw his head back and grabbed at his face after the flat blade of Brian Boyle's stick slapped nothing but shoulder pad!
Even though Boyle's stick did not quite fit the criteria of a "high stick (above the height of the opponents shoulders) it was used in a careless manner and could certainly result in a slashing penalty. Plekanec's embellishment was also worthy of a penalty that should have resulted in an on-ice numerical strength of four aside. Given Plekanec's blatant overreaction it could even been deemed a 'stand alone' embellishment penalty if the ref wanted to send a clear message but I doubt he would receive much support.
Until players that embellish are penalized by the referees and held accountable by the League with published fines and suspensions as prescribed in rule 64.3, this illegal act will continue to plague the game. It's time for everyone involved to man-up.
