TimeForGuinness wrote:
Anyone else think that Shanahan's slap on the wrist to Weber for slamming Zetterberg head into the boards WWE-turnbuckle-style has lead to the outbreak of game misconducts in the previous two games across the playoffs? The Pittsburgh/Philadelphia game was crazy last night.
I'm not saying that Weber should have been suspended, or that the playoff hockey should be wussi-fied, or that the teams should police themselves vigilante-style...just wondering if you think there's a direct correlation between the events.
Personally, I find these games incredibly entertaining to watch...let the teams police themselves if the refs/league aren't going to enforce consistent rulings.
I do think that had some effect. I thought at the time it was going to create a precedence either way it went, and I think it clearly has.
I'm tiring of the argument though that it's just "playoff hockey". I don't agree. There are clear lines that are being crossed, and thus far the officiating hasn't been able to nip it in the bud. I like the harder hits and the tighter games the playoffs bring, but there's no place for the cheap shots that have been going on.
It would be hard for the NHL to retroactively hand out suspensions. But I would be on board with the league coming out and stating from this point forward, they're going to begin handing out suspensions for cheap shots, both in game action and after the whistle. The crap has to stop--I don't personally enjoy watching it. Play hard, but respect your opponent.