Did the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Get Away With One?

Last night, the Minnesota Wild won their second game in a row with an impressive 6-1 win against the Nashville Predators. The Wild played like a team possessed. However, there might be an unexpected twist; a Minnesota Wild's star player could be getting a call from the NHL's Department of Players Safety. At the present moment, there hasn't been a call from the NHL's Department of Players Safety, but I wouldn't be shocked if it happened.  

During last night's game, Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov might have gotten away with a dirty hit. See the video below. In the first period, Kaprizov hit Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier in the head when he didn't have the puck. Predators Nation is unhappy with Kirill. 

 "This is exactly what the NHL is trying to get out of the game, Predators Puck Analyst Hall Gill said after the first period. The hits to the head, this is this is embarrassing that this was not a five-minute major. Kaprizov should be out. Carrier doesn't have the puck and he finishes through on his head. 

"This is highly illegal. This is what the NHL has been getting rid of for how many years now? This is old school. I hate to see Carrier going off the ice. It's just such a dirty hit. As a hockey player, you have an obligation to protect someone. If they don't have the puck. You can't hit them. And if they don't have the puck, you certainly can't hit them in the head. The rest should have made this call; this is embarrassing."

.@Skillsy75 is not happy about the referees not calling the Kaprizov hit on Carrier a major penalty.

"This is exactly what the NHL is trying to get out of the game..." pic.twitter.com/pCCExZjjzk

— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) December 1, 2023

"I didn't see the hit but I was talking to the refs, Predators forward Ryan O'Reilly told the Tennessean after the game. They said there was head contact. It should have been reviewed. I asked them to review it. I don't know if they made a mistake or not. Obviously, a dangerous play." As of right now, there's no hearing scheduled, but that doesn't mean the league won't take a look at the hit. If they do, Kaprizov could be in trouble.

As of now, no hearing announced for Kirill Kaprizov, so at least in terms of a suspension, Dept of Player Safety may have decided on nothing or a fine after considering his head contact on Carrier

If that’s the case, the #mnwild & Hynes will have a full lineup (Hartman) Sunday

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 1, 2023

Russo has a point with this tweet if the roles were reversed., Wild fans would be upset. Yes, the Wild's star players have seen opposition players take runs at their star players, but Kaprizov has put a target on himself the next time he plays the Predators. 

The forensic expert fans on my mentions today are such hypocrites. It’s so funny to me. Imagine if the roles were reversed here

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 1, 2023

Updated Uneventful Free Agency

Pretty light free agent action during the holiday weekend. In my opinion, this has been an uneventful free agency signing so far. Looking at the list, there's not a lot of attractive options out there. 

(Video) David Backes wipes out Pekka Rinne

St. Louis forward David Backes runs over Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne.  Depending on your perspective. Nothing like going hard to the net. The boxscores reads after the play was over (see below).

12:27 NSH Mike Fisher Roughing - 2 min against David Backes
12:27 STL David Backes Roughing - 2 min against Mike Fisher
12:27 NSH Mike Fisher served by Viktor Stalberg Roughing - 2 min against David Backes

The Swiss 2014 Olympic Hockey Team

SAVE! Jonas Hiller (Photo credit: MattBritt00)

Goalies 

Reto Berra (Calgary Flames)

Jonas Hiller (Anaheim Ducks)

Tobias Stephan

Defensemen

Severin Blindenbacher

Rafael Diaz (Montréal Canadiens)

Philippe Furrer

Roman Josi (Nashville Predators)

Mathias Seger

Mark Streit (Philadelphia Flyers)

Julien Vauclair

Yannick Weber (Vancouver Canucks)

Forwards

Andres Ambühl

Matthias Bieber

Simon Bodenmann

Damien Brunner (New Jersey Devils)

Luca Cunti

Ryan Gardner

Denis Hollenstein

Simon Moser

Nino Niederreiter (Minnesota Wild)

Martin Plüss

Kevin Romy

Reto Suri

Morris Trachsler

Roman Wick

Wild Hockey: Eric Nystrom Shootout goal sinks Wild

How @enystrom23 scored the @PredsNHL's game-winner on a penalty shot. Watch: http://t.co/ADSM9D34em #Preds
— NHL (@NHL) October 9, 2013

This was the game winning goal from last night's Wild game against the Predators. Former Michigan Wolverine Eric Nystrom scores on the penalty shot. Personally, I thought this was a weak call, sure it was a penalty, but I am not sure if it was worthy of a penalty shot. Oh well, that's how the game goes sometimes. Wild head coach Mike Yeo wasn't happy about a few of the calls last night, either.

"That 5-on-3 was extremely frustrating for me," Minnesota coach Mike Yeo said. "I don't want to get into complaining about calls or anything like that, but I thought that was very difficult and -- bang-bang -- two pucks go in the net right away. That was tough, too. That's what it comes down to right now for us to get a win. We need a play here or there. It could be a faceoff, it could be a blocked shot, it could be a save -- obviously, a goal. It's a matter of just finding a way to win."

Bruins Rangers and Wild Transactions

Alternate logo since 2003. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Boston Bruins have resigned Tuuka Rask and Patrice Bergeron to eight-year contracts. Bergy’s deal is worth 52 million and Tukka’s deal is worth 56 million dollars.

The Minnesota Wild have signed Jonathon Blum and Jon Landry to one-year, two-way free agent deals. Landry will more than likely play with the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Blum is a former first round draft choice for the Nashville Predators and played in 35 NHL games last season, I suppose Blum will have a chance to make the Wild out of training camp, he will definitely add to the competition for making one of the final six spots in the defensive corps.

The New York Rangers have signed former Minnesota Wild pylon Justin Falk to a one-year contract worth 975,000.00. Yikes, thank God Wild fans will no longer have to watch the slow footed Falk getting walked by Western Conference forwards anymore.

UND Hockey: 2013 NHL draftee tweets

@KThomps48 @AnaheimDucks welcome to the organization man.
— Bobby Ryan (@b_ryan9) July 1, 2013

Here are some of today's tweets from the future UND hockey players that were drafted in the 2013 NHL entry draft....

@wmurphy93 congrats man!
— Tucker Poolman (@PuckerToolman) July 1, 2013

Today, was a good day for the UND hockey program as future forwards Adam Tambellini, Luke Johnson and Wade Murphy, in addition, defensemen Keaton Thompson, Tucker Poolman and Gage Ausmus, were all drafted in today’s 2013 NHL entry draft that held in Newark, New Jersey

Honoured to be picked by the @PredsNHL thanks to everyone who has helped me in life and especially my dad whos always been there for me
— Wade Murphy (@wmurphy93) July 1, 2013

. @wmurphy93 needs some Smashville followers!
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 1, 2013

Very humbled to be apart of the cup champs @NHLBlackhawks thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years. The work starts now..
— Luke Johnson (@LJohns7) July 1, 2013

With the 151st pick, #SharksDraft defenseman Gage Ausmus from USA U-18 (USHL)
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) July 1, 2013

Proud to be apart of the @SanJoseSharks organizations #greatoppurtunities
— Gage Ausmus (@Gausmus47) July 1, 2013

The #NYR select forward Adam Tambellini from Surrey of BCHL with 65th overall pick
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 30, 2013

Brad Malone vs Rich Clune

According to Hockeyfights.com, that the first NHL fight of former fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone's NHL career. Malone has been in eight, AHL fights during the course of his hockey career. Rich Clune of the Nashville Predators on the other hand, has been in 10 fights this season.

Sports Net; Suter and Parise among Top 5 NHLers not losing money over lockout

ST PAUL, MN - JULY 9: Chuck Fletcher, general manager of the Minnesota Wild looks on as Ryan Suter #20 and Zach Parise #11 speak during a press conference on July 9, 2012 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

If there is one thing that we have learned during the 2012-13 NHL Lockout that we don't need to feel sorry for former Wisconsin Badger Ryan Sutter and North Dakota Fighting Sioux forward Zach Parise.

While other NHL players aren't getting a salary during the NHL lockout Sutter and Parise will be getting paid their 10 million dollar signing bonuses.

Patrick Hoffman; Sportsnet --- Ryan Suter, D, Minnesota Wild: $2 million

Much like Weber, his former defensive partner with the Nashville Predators, defenceman Ryan Suter had quite the interesting and rewarding off-season.

On the first day of free agency, Suter was signed to a 13-year deal worth $98 million by the Minnesota Wild. It was one of the most lucrative deals in Wild history, and one that must pay off if the team wants to become a postseason contender.

Suter is due to make $12 million total this season, which includes a signing bonus of $10 million. Therefore, should the NHL season be lost for the year, Suter will only lose $2 million of his salary.

Zach Parise, LW, Minnesota Wild: $2 million

The other most lucrative deal that the Minnesota Wild signed this off-season was to left winger Zach Parise.

Like Suter, Parise was also signed to a 13-year deal worth $98 million. The Wild, not known for their offensive prowess, now have someone who can produce on a consistent basis and a player that wields a ton of speed, a nose for the net, soft hands and the ability to create plays.

In an identical windfall to Suter, Parise is due to make $12 million this season with a signing bonus of $10 million. Like Suter, Parise will only lose $2 million if the lockout extends.

Just for the record I don't fault either player because they signed what they were offered during the off-season. I also think it's a bit of irony that the NHL owners while claiming to be hurting - there is at least one NHL owner that is going to have to pay 20 million dollars in player bonuses while the league is locked out. 

Will the Preds match Philly?

Will Shea Weber stay a Predator or will be in the city of brotherly love next season? Do the Predators match the offer sheet or take the four first round draft choices and rebuild their defensive corps?

The Predators have until Wednesday to match the Flyers offer sheet. What would you do if you were the Predators general manager? If the Predators don't match the Flyers offer sheet they could run the risk of alienating their fan base. The Predators have already lost Ryan Suter to the Minnesota Wild so their defensive corps are not as good as they were before July 1st.

Shea Weber agrees to offer sheet from Philly

Reminiscent of the Toronto Maple Leafs general Manager Brian Bruke making an offer sheet to former Boston Bruins forward Phil Kessel –the Philadelphia Flyers have made an huge offer to Nashville Predator defenseman Shea Weber which he has accepted. Now the ball is in the Predators court – If I was them I would take the four first round draft choices.

ESPN.com --- The Philadelphia Flyers have signed star defenseman Shea Weber to a 14-year offer sheet worth upwards of $100 million, a source confirmed to ESPN.com. The Flyers also confirmed the offer sheet, although the team didn't disclose terms.

A restricted free agent, Weber has spent his entire career with the Nashville Predators, who have seven days to match Philadelphia's offer, which was first reported by TSN.

If the Predators decide not to match the offer, they would receive four first-round draft picks from the Flyers, according to TSN.

Weber's departure would be a devastating blow to a Nashville team that already lost All-Star defenseman Ryan Suter, who signed a 13-year, $98 million deal with the Minnesota Wild.

Now; is anyone besides me rolling your eyes? Seriously – the owners claim they need to reel in expenses and that they are bleeding money and then the Philadelphia Flyers go out and pull this bush league move. I just don’t take the owners seriously anymore or think that they have a leg to stand on. First they want to limit contract to 5 years – Weber’s deal is for 14 seasons – who knows what else is in this deal. The Nashville Predators have 7 days to match the Flyers offer sheet. You have to think that they won't be able to match this one.

If I was the Predators GM, I would take the four first round draft choices, while the Flyers won’t pick that high in the first round it could end up giving the Predators some decent players in the future and could give them something to trade if they want to move up in future drafts.

Here is a breakdown of the contract from Frank Seravalli Philly.com

According to Kypreos, the Flyers have structured the deal in a way that it may be impossible for Nashville to match. The breakdown would be as follows:

2012-13 (age 27): $1 million salary + $13 million signing bonus (league maximum $14M)
2013-14 (28): $1 million salary + $13 million signing bonus (league maximum $14M)
2014-15 (29): $1 million salary + $13 million signing bonus (league maximum $14M)
2015-16 (30): $1 million salary + $13 million signing bonus (league maximum $14M)
2016-17 (31): $4 million salary + $8 million signing bonus (total $12 million)
2017-18 (32): $4 million salary + $8 million signing bonus (total $12 million)
2018-19 (33): $6 million salary
2019-20 (34): $6 million salary
2020-21 (35): $6 million salary
2021-22 (36): $6 million salary
2022-23 (37): $3 million salary
2023-24 (38): $1 million salary
2024-25 (39): $1 million salary
2025-26 (40): $1 million salary
TOTAL: $110 million

Zach Parise is coming home - Wild sign Suter and Parise

Getty Images

Here is the press release from KARE 11 out of the Twin Cities. While I don’t like to use profanity on the blog, I do think a loud boisterous F-BOMB yeah might be in order for this big signing by the Minnesota Wild. This is definitely a coup d'état for the Minnesota Wild.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild appear to be making a splash in the free agent waters.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun tweeted "Zach Parise has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Wild."

Parise was seen as the top free agent in this summer's NHL class. The 27-year-old forward scored 31 goals and added 38 assists last season for the New Jersey Devils.

A source told LeBrun Parise's deal is worth $98 million over 13 years.

LeBrun also tweeted the Suter signing.

Suter, a native of Madison, Wis., spent seven seaons with the Nashville Predators. Last season, Suter posted a career high in points with 46 (7 goals, 39 assists) in 79 regular season games.

Earlier in the year, I said, "I think that Zach Parise would sign with the Minnesota Wild." I was told by various fans that there was no way that Parise would sign with the Wild. Yeah! Looks like the nay sayers, Debbie Downers, Negative Nellies or whatever you want to call them, were flat out dead wrong this time. Vindication, maybe. It's really not a mystery, that Parise owns a house in Orno, Minnesota so now Zach can sleep in his bed at night when the Minnesota Wild are playing at home.

I said on twitter last night, that the Wild now have more former Badgers (Ryan Suter, Tom Gilbert, Jake Dowell and Dany Heatly) and Sioux (Chay Genoway and Zach Parise) than ex-Gophers on the Minnesota Wild.

The Minnesota Wild just a few short years ago under Doug Risebrough, didn't have many college hockey players now have a good mix on their roster, add to the Badgers and ex-Sioux players that I have already mentioned, you have Jason Zucker Denver University, Nate Prosser and Chad Rau Colorado College, Stephen Kampfer Michigan, Jarold Palmer Miami University (Ohio) and Matt Cullen Saint Cloud State University.

Links to the Story

NHL Free Agency 2012: Minnesota Wild Sign Zach Parise and Ryan Suter [Hockey Wilderness]

Wild Fireworks on the Fourth of July [Russo's Rants]

Report: Zach Parise, Ryan Suter Each Sign 13-Year Deal With Minnesota Wild [NESN.COM]

Wild agree to terms with free agents Suter and Parise [TSN.COM]

Free agents Suter and Parise choose Wild [Flyers Insider]

Minnesota Wild getting both Parise, Suter [Pioneer Press]

Zach Parise, Ryan Suter to Wild [ESPN.COM]

Rostislav Klesla suspended one game.

Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Rostislav Klesla was suspended one game by the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety for this hit on Nashville Predators forward Matt Halischuk.

While I don't have a problem with the suspension per se and Klesla is a repeat offender that has been suspended in the past for a clipping infraction; it does seem that the NHL is picking and choosing the players that it wants to suspend - the NHL has no qualms about suspending a third or fourth line player - or suspending a fifth or sixth defenseman, however, the NHL doesn't want to suspended a star player when they commit an egregious act and I can think of a few hits or infractions from star players that could have been dealt with in a more punitive manner.

Related articles

• NHL schedules hearing on hit by Coyotes' Klesla

A tale of two hits

There were two hits on the ice this weekend that have gotten a bit of scrutiny. 

The first one is the hit that Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Rostislav Klesla put on Nashville Predators forward Matt Halischuk. Klesla was given a two minute penalty on the play and has a hearing on Sunday with the National Hockey League's department of player safety.

With the inconsistency with the National Hockey League’s Department of player safety there is no clue what kind of a suspension or fine we can expect in this situation, Klesla is not really a known superstar so we could expect a one or two game suspension.
This was the hit that Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin put on Rangers Dan Girardi. Ovechkin was given a charging penalty on the hit. I don't think the Ovechkin hit is overly egregious and since he's a super star the league is very reluctant to suspend him so don't count on Ovechkin getting suspended and frankly I don't think as suspension is warranted in this situation. 

Girardi had this to say about the hit: "He hit me in the head first," Girardi said. "I think it was the right call. I'm not sure what it was, whether it was charging or interference or whatever, but my head's there, and he hits it. But I think he was just playing the game hard. I don't know."

Related articles

• Klesla to meet with NHL over his shove on Halischuk
• NHL Schedules Hearing on Hit by Coyotes' Klesla
• Coyotes' Klesla faces NHL hearing after hit on Haliskchuk
• NHL schedules hearing on hit by Coyotes' Klesla

Datsyuk scores a pretty goal off of thievery...

In a day that was filled with thuggery and some good hockey fights, the Detroit Redwings star forward Pavel Datsyuk scored a really nice goal and displayed some thievery. The Detroit Redwings still lost the game to the Nashville Predators 3-2. Datsyuk has a goal and two assists in three playoff games for the Redwings.

Shanahan throws book at Bitz, suspends him for two games

So the Vice President of the Department of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan  was very busy the day after the first night of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

First Shanahan fined Nashville Predators defenseman Shew Weber the NHL maximum of $2,500.00 and then suspended Canucks forward Bryon Bitz for two games for boarding Kyle Clifford, Bitz was assessed a major penalty and given game misconduct for boarding. Personally, the play in question, looked more like a hit to the head and an elbow.

At this pace, this season could end up setting records for fines and suspensions during the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs at this rate. Or not! At least Shanahan set a precedence that the league is not going to put up or tolerate dirty hits and questionable acts. 

Related articles

• 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Round One Preview (insidehockey.com)
• So does Shea Weber get suspended for slaming Zetterberg into the glass? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Shea Weber Fined for hit on Zetterberg

Nashville Predators forward Cody Franson prior to a National Hockey League game against the Calgary Flames. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber will not be suspended for his hint on Redwings forward Henrik Zetterberg. There were many that called for Weber to have the book thrown at him for this hit.

NEW YORK -- Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber has been fined $2,500, the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for delivering a blow to the head of Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg in Game 1 of the teams' Western Conference Quarterfinal series in Nashville on Wednesday, April 11, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 20:00 of the third period. Weber was assessed a minor penalty for roughing.

"This was a reckless and reactionary play on which Weber threw a glancing punch and then shoved Zetterberg's head into the glass," said NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety and Hockey Operations Brendan Shanahan. "As is customary whenever Supplemental Discipline is being considered, we contacted Detroit following the game and were informed that Zetterberg did not suffer an apparent injury and should be in the lineup for Game 2.

Related articles

• So does Shea Weber get suspended for slaming Zetterberg into the glass? (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Video: Shea Weber Slams Henrik Zetterberg's Head Into The Glass (chicago.cbslocal.com)

So does Shea Weber get suspended for slamming Zetterberg into the glass?

This play is the talk of the night. At the end of tonight's game between the Detroit Redwings and the Nashville Predators, Predators defenseman Shea Weber took Henrik Zetterberg's head and jammed it into the glass, I am not sure what led up to this play but this is not acceptable in any league.

Weber for his efforts was given a two minute minor for roughing, the length of the Weber's penalty is irrelevant, because the league can review played that didn't get penalized.

I imagine the NHL's Department of Players Safety will take a look at this play, but you never know with Brendan Shanahan, he has been so inconsistent this season, almost to the point of it being a joke in his ruling this season. Shannahan has let players off the hook with no fine or suspension and then has turned around and given a suspension for hits that were not as bad as hits where a player deserved a suspension and got nothing. So who knows in this situation?

Zetterberg did board Weber earlier in the game so this could be a retaliation for that earlier hit?

If your conspiracy theorist you would expect Weber to be given a lengthy suspension because Shannahan played for the Detroit Redwings from 1997-2006.

Related articles

• Round One Preview: Predators vs. Red Wings (insidehockey.com)

Mark Fistric hit on Shea Weber

Right now there is a major debate by the hockey pundits to ban fighting in hockey but as Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy mentioned, none of the players Sidney Crosby, Jeff Skinner, Simon Gagne, Shea Weber are not out of hockey because they were hurt in a fight. They were hit in the head, some of them were hit with dirty hits like this. Ironically, the above embedded video didn't result in a suspension but it probably caused a concussion to Shea Weber.

Also, Shea Weber is out with an apparent concussion and his agent Jarrett Bousquet is less than pleased that Mark Fistric wasn't suspended for this hit. In watching the video, it find it puzzling as well.

“We want what’s best for Shea long-term. We want to get it right and make sure it doesn’t happen again, and Nashville wants to exercise on the side of caution, as do we. From my point of view I’m surprised that there’s not been more about this Fistric hit. I’m surprised he’s not suspended. I’m surprised that it has not been reviewed. If the NHL wants to protect their stars, then they have a chance here to right the wrong and get some consistency. If they do want to protect their players, then hits like that have to be suspensions.

“To me it looked like Fistric jumped. The puck had clearly gone past (Weber), because he was ready to look back for the puck. I can’t believe that this hasn’t been looked into closer and examined closer.” [The Tennessean]

I am confused, and I am not sure what is even worthy of a suspension anymore? Isn't Weber's head the the principal point of contact in this check? I have watched the video a few times and it would appear that the head is the principle point of contact. According to Stu Hackle there have been 28 concussions during the month of December.

Tootoo suspended two game by the NHL.

I had a feeling that Jordin Tootoo would be suspended by the NHL for his hit on the Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. I believe that the National Hockey League had to make an example out of Jordin Tootoo. This also gave Brendan Shanahan and the NHL Department of Player Safety a way to save face as well for failing suspending Milan Lucic for running over Ryan Miller in a game earlier this season. Incidentally, this was also the first game back for Ryan Miller after being injured on the hit by Milan Lucic.

Can you imagine the outcry from the Buffalo Sabres camp if Predators forward Jordin Tootoo had not been suspended by the NHL? The league had to suspend Tootoo or they would be giving off the impression that goalies in the NHL are fair game and that a player can run over a goalie if they feel compelled to do so.

NEW YORK -- Nashville Predators forward Jordin Tootoo has been suspended, without pay, for two games for charging Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller during NHL Game #379 Saturday night, Dec. 3, in Nashville, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.


Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Tootoo will forfeit $13,513.52. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.


The incident occurred at 15:54 of the second period. Tootoo was assessed a major penalty for charging and game misconduct on the play.


Tootoo will miss games tonight vs. Phoenix and Dec. 8 at Columbus. He will be eligible to return Dec. 10 vs. Anaheim.