If This Adam Larsson Hit Is Worthy Of Supplemental Discipline Then The NHL Has Been Taking Estrogen Pills

Fuck it. Take off their shin guards. Let's just strap maxi pads to their legs. Why do they need those protective pants slowing them down when it's clear that the referees would rather have them wearing skirts. The NHL is doing a disservice to it's brand by having the players wear helmets when they've basically turned professional hockey into two hand touch. I don't even know why they have boards anymore. Don't they realize that they are hard and someone could hurt themselves? 

Kenny Daneyko took the words right out of my mouth. "Did he just call a 5 minute major for interference?". Why yes Kenny, that's exactly what he did. I understand the league is looking out for the safety of the players, but at what point do you just discontinue checking? I know I am biased, but that looked like a picturesque body check to me. Shoulder to shoulder. Didn't make contact with the head. Separated his man from the puck. If this was ten years ago that hit would be on an instructional video, not being reviewed by the league for supplemental discipline. 

Did Larsson HAVE to hit McCann? Of course not. No one ever HAS to hit their opponent, but it got the Devils possession, and if it didn't result in a major penalty it would have sent quite the message to the Canucks. That play was, at worst, borderline interference. The puck had just left his stick and his head was down. I wouldn't have agreed with a two minute minor, but I certainly would have understood it. A major penalty, however? Come on now. Adam Larsson basically got thrown out because the player he hit was temporarily injured (he returned to the game). Adam Larsson has to worry about his immediate availability because he caused a player to fall down and grab at his shoulder. Larsson got ejected for a reaction that basically proved his innocence. Since when it is not okay to put a shoulder into a puck carrier's shoulder. At least have a better explanation than "5 minutes for interference". If that's the best you've then it's clear that officials are more worried about covering their own ass than actually calling the game in front of them. Head injuries are compromising the health of the players, but automatically calling penalties every time someone goes to ice is compromising the integrity of the sport.

Oh well, In a way that major penalty was a blessing. The Devils somehow killed it off, and somehow found yet another way to win.  Maybe I owe the refs a thank you for giving them ample time to practice their penalty kill. If they can overcome 5 minutes shorthanded without their most complete defenseman than I don't know what this team can't overcome. Until proven otherwise I am just going to assume that the answer is "nothing".

Current Mood: