There was the allowed goal by Chicago that appeared to be kicked in but not enough video evidence to over turn it or so the NHL says which funny enough may of lead to a hawks win and place in the playoffs.
Also we are still dealing with blatant hits to the head and how the NHL deals with it.
First we had the viscous hit on Montreal's Pacioretty by Boston's star defencemen Chara. Was it a blatant head shot, a dirty hit. Yes it was and for the reason that these guys are professionals, elite players and should, need to know what they are doing.
If a players gets credit for reacting in milli-seconds and tipping a shot in for a goal they also need to be held accountable for hits that cause injury. But the NHL in all it's gutless wisdom decided the hit which resulted in a severe concussion and fractured neck was not worthy of any discipline. To the media's credit and fans alike there was much outcry as it showed the hypocrisy of the NHL, one rule for stars and another for the non stars. It also showed just how unwilling the NHL is to enforce it's own rules.
A couple of weeks later Matt Cooke who just returned from a suspension for a cheap shot did the unthinkable, he delivered a elbow to the head of a Ranger player. This time due mainly to media and fan pressure the NHL did what it should have done years ago, suspended Cooke for 10 games including the first round of the playoffs.
Was this a sign the NHL has finally woke up from the fog and saw the light? Perhaps as early this week Torres from the Canucks decided not to play the puck and went for a head shot on a player in a vulnerable position. That player was Eberle of the Oilers. Now he was not hurt, was able to get up and finish the game and play in the next game.
To the NHL's credit they did not look at that, they focused on the hit. Torres was given a 5 min major and game for the hit and most thought the NHL would leave it as is but they didn't, they did the right thing and handed Torres a 4 game suspension which includes 2 first round playoff games.
Of course Canuck fans scream unfair, the NHL is against them as they always do when a call doesn't go their way but it was the right call by the NHL, they have to change the culture and apply the rules evenly to all.
Another way the NHL can fix the game is first get rid of the instigator rule, most fans would rather se a fight than these cheap head shots and it will make the players accountable for their actions as the NHL has failed to do that. Also scoring has declined since the instigator rule has been in place.
Finally the NHL needs to grow up and apply the existing rules evenly to all players and all teams no matter what their status or standing in the league. Quit insulting fans with this garbage well he is a star so he gets a break etc. It is an insult to fans all over. When there are bad calls make the official accountable, suspend them , fine them, don't let them ref big games as the NCAA, NFL etc do. Quit hiding from the issue, take it head on and deal with it, the fans and media will appreciate it
NOW DROP THE PUCK ALREADY!
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