NHL 2010/2011 Season

[XXXIV]

Maybe its just the Hab fan in me then but I will disagree about a suspension. 110%

He would have gotten a penalty for interference wether or not he sent the other player to the hospital. The play started out as just a stupid play by a frustrated player but his recklessness turned into a VERY scary situation.

[10spro]

Chara should get at least a game suspension in my view. Here’s the problem if he doesn't. How do you explain to a little kid that this kind of thing can happen among Hockey Stars, that in the great scheme of things, it wasn't really a dirty play but rather an unfortunate play that transpired in a very fast game. And if he goes unpunished, the big man who did it, is being excused by the people who cover the game daily for not having any malicious intent, while the victim is lying in hospital?

The civil suit that Moore threw against Bertuzzi is about to take place, and that unfortunate incident took place about 7 years ago already. Hard to believe that yet very little has changed since then.

[Naples39]

Not sure you can call the Bertuzzi-Moore incident an 'unfortunate accident.' I think 'pre-meditated blind side attack' is a more appropriate description.

I mean what do you do, ban all checking at the benches? I think the Chara thing was an accident, and those will always happen. Guys get caught up at those stanchions all the time, and this was just worse as a combination of bad luck and neither player letting up. Hockey's unique that barriers are in play. No reason to go crazy when a freak play occurs.

[XXXIV]

No reason to go crazy when a freak play occurs.

1) I would agree with that if the check was legal to begin with. it was not a legal hockey play. He was NOT finishing off a legal check. It was interference. Man did not have puck. He would have gotten at least 2 minutes without the " freak" part.

2) They have a history. Pacioretty showed a serious lack of class and started some of this seasons bad blood between the two clubs by shoving Chara in the back earlier this season aafter an OT Hab victory over the bruins.

3) I dont think he was trying to ram him into that thing or hurt him like that. He just wanted to say hello.

Now...I have beaten this dead horse to death

Whats lost is the beating the Habs gave the Bruins in continuing their dominance over them. I think thats 6 wins in 7 games

[pk500]

Here’s the problem if he doesn't. How do you explain to a little kid that this kind of thing can happen among Hockey Stars, that in the great scheme of things, it wasn't really a dirty play but rather an unfortunate play that transpired in a very fast game. And if he goes unpunished, the big man who did it, is being excused by the people who cover the game daily for not having any malicious intent, while the victim is lying in hospital?

How do you explain to a little kid that David Steckel wasn't penalized for the hit that contributed to the end of the career or the beginning of the end of the career of one of the game's great players, Sidney Crosby? It could be reality.

The civil suit that Moore threw against Bertuzzi is about to take place, and that unfortunate incident took place about 7 years ago already. Hard to believe that yet very little has changed since then.

Bad comparison. Bertuzzi's act resembled a "hockey play" in no way, shape or form. That was assault. Chara's hit was a "hockey play" that went bad.

[vader29]

Severe concussion and fractured vertebrae for Pacioretty:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=357246

[XXXIV]

Severe concussion and fractured vertebrae for Pacioretty:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=357246

Thats not good news but I guess, all things considered, it could be worse.

Hope that that is the worst of it and that he gets well soon.

[pk500]

Two sad storylines surrounding this incident, in order:

One, Pacioretty's injury and condition. Severe concussion, fractured vertebrae.

Two, the NHL is back in the headlines again for yet another head injury, not because of great goals, seeing-eye passes and stupendous saves.

[10spro]

By no means, I am comparing the Bertuzzi-Moore incident to the one that happened yesterday. What I am saying is that since that incident, little has changed in the NHL culture where violence and concussions are almost the norm of a daily game.

[10spro]

Regarding the Steckel hit to Crosby, I always thought that he should have been penalized. Anytime you spin a player like that albeit it was very well disguised, deserves a penalty. Zebras missed it, as a consequence a Superstar may miss the remainder of the season and we come to the same conclusion. All hits to the head should be banished. Period.

[Naples39]

My final thoughts on the issue, as I blogged.

I think a nominal suspension is all that is called for. The main reason is that there is no evidence of intent by Chara. By that I mean it started out as a routine rub-out in the neutral zone, not a physical play at all. Yes, the play was illegal as interference, and yes Chara needs to be aware of his surroundings, but there just isn't much evidence there that he finished the check with much vigor. Perhaps he can be blamed for not lightening up more given the dangerous spot on the ice, but I don't think there is enough blameworthiness there to warrant a long suspension.

It would be one thing if Chara came barreling in or with elbows up in an "intentionally" violent collision, or preyed upon a vulnerable player. As it was, it was a routine non-violent play (such neutral zone obstruction is typically among the least dangerous plays in the game) that became a freak accident at the last second.

What is the league supposed to do? Ban hits at the benches? Should we have expected Chara to recognize the danger and just let him go?

Perhaps Chara could've finished more gently, but given the way the play unfolded, he can only shoulder so much blame.

http://mostlyflyers.blogspot.com/

[XXXIV]

Naples, I know my Hab colors color my views but I pretty much agree with 90-95% of that. Well done.

[pk500]

What do people think of Z's intent after seeing this close-up shot?



His arm certainly was high. While Chara maybe didn't intend to drive Pacioretty's head into the turnbuckle, he was wreckless with his forearm and hand.

Hmm ...

[Gangrel]

I will have to agree with Bob Mackenzie on twitter this morning. Taking a single frame of video and showing it can make it look like *anything*

Anyway, it's all a moot point as it's been announced Chara gets no fine and no suspension.

I think the Bell Centre should be held responsible for such a crappy design. Why is there a partition there in the first place?

[toonarmy]

The comments here are more sensible than most of what I've been seeing other places today. I'm still not sure how Chara did anything that would call for suspension, especially given his history. I have seen so many instances over Chara's career with his various teams where he pulls up so as not to hurt guys, even if the hit would have been legal. The guy is not only tall, but he is ridiculously strong due to being a workout freak. If he wanted to truly injure someone there would be careers ruined left and right. I watched the replay some more today and it's not like Chara even hit him that hard, just a freak play that occurred at a time in which the NHL is being criticized for all of the injuries it is having. I think a suspension would be unfair for a guy that shows a lot of restraint on the ice and is far from a goon. It's just one of those deals where something bad happened in a fast, violent sport, and most hockey people seem to be realizing this. The main thing is that Pacioretty is not paralyzed and will hopefully be able to play again. I thought the Habs did a great job last night of continuing to play the game without doing something stupid in retaliation even though they had a sizable lead and dominated the game. Sometimes seeing a player get injured, intentional or not, leads to some pretty stupid actions.

BTW, here are Chara's latest comments on the incident. He gave these after today's practice:

Asked about the play, Chara said, “It’s just one of those things…like glass extensions, doors, even hockey nets are part of the game and obviously players run into them.

“It’s just very, very unfortunate that a player got hurt.”

Chara also talked about his own feelings about the injury to Pacioretty.

“It’s been hard obviously,” said Chara, who said he planned to contact the Canadiens forward. “I feel bad about what happened.

“I was trying to make a strong hockey play and play hard and it’s very unfortunate, like i said, that a player got hurt and had to leave the game.

“Obviously, it is in my mind.”

Asked if he would be surprised to be suspended, Chara simply said, “We’ll see.”

[toonarmy]

I will have to agree with Bob Mackenzie on twitter this morning. Taking a single frame of video and showing it can make it look like *anything*

Anyway, it's all a moot point as it's been announced Chara gets no fine and no suspension.

I think the Bell Centre should be held responsible for such a crappy design. Why is there a partition there in the first place?

Agree about the single frame thing. The full video has to be looked at to get any type of accurate view of what happened.

I hadn't heard about the ruling before making my previous post, so obviously I think the ruling was a correct one. Here is the league's statement:

After a thorough review of the video I can find no basis to impose supplemental discipline. This hit resulted from a play that evolved and then happened very quickly -- with both players skating in the same direction and with Chara attempting to angle his opponent into the boards. I could not find any evidence to suggest that, beyond this being a correct call for interference, that Chara targeted the head of his opponent, left his feet or delivered the check in any other manner that could be deemed to be dangerous.

"This was a hockey play that resulted in an injury because of the player colliding with the stanchion and then the ice surface. In reviewing this play, I also took into consideration that Chara has not been involved in a supplemental discipline incident during his 13-year NHL career."

I disagree with many of the NHL's rulings, but I think they got this one right.

[XXXIV]

No suspension. None. WOW!....I know NHL fans like heads being cracked open but WOW!... Someone has to be the adult no? The NHL is waiting for a death. ...I know I know Ive said it a million times before but I will say it again and again . They are waiting for someone to die.

It is a shame and a disgrace.

What do people think of Z's intent after seeing this close-up shot?



His arm certainly was high. While Chara maybe didn't intend to drive Pacioretty's head into the turnbuckle, he was wreckless with his forearm and hand.

Hmm ...

You should have sent this pic to that trash at the NHL. Apparently their video equipment is broken as they missed that.

Once again. Disgrace and shame.

[pk500]

The only NHL story linked on the cover of ESPN.com at 1 p.m. (ET) today:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=6201094

Yep, this is exactly what the NHL needs. It reaps what it sews, so I shed no tears.

[XXXIV]

All the douchebags had to do was give him his well earned 2-3 game suspension and the the thing would have blown over eventually.

You have to wonder how much campbell's gentle son playing for the bruins had to do with the failure of these idiots to act responsibly?

[pk500]

You have to wonder how much campbell's gentle son playing for the bruins had to do with the failure of these idiots to act responsibly?

Probably less than you think. Campbell recused himself from this decision because his son plays for Boston. Still, a cynic could think Colie might nudge a few ribs and twist a few elbows around the NHL offices.

[XXXIV]

You have to wonder how much campbell's gentle son playing for the bruins had to do with the failure of these idiots to act responsibly?

Probably less than you think. Campbell recused himself from this decision because his son plays for Boston. Still, a cynic could think Colie might nudge a few ribs and twist a few elbows around the NHL offices.

Ya think maybe?

With all the spinning the nhl has been doing today, especially on their network which has been just a joke, its good to see that not everyone is a souless shill.
NHL loses its moral compass in the Chara-Pacioretty incidentRead more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/w ... z1GDwYB1z2

[Naples39]

All the douchebags had to do was give him his well earned 2-3 game suspension and the the thing would have blown over eventually.

You have to wonder how much campbell's gentle son playing for the bruins had to do with the failure of these idiots to act responsibly?

I agree. Even with no intent and a freak unfortunate hit, why not a minor suspension? Players should be expected to show some regard for one another and aren't absolved of all responsibility whatsoever.

A criminal investigation is a little ridiculous though. I don't know canadien law, but wouldn't they have to show that it was a hit out of realm that a sports participant consents to, and that Chara had intent to injure? People are hyperventilating over this incident.

[XXXIV]

All the douchebags had to do was give him his well earned 2-3 game suspension and the the thing would have blown over eventually.

You have to wonder how much campbell's gentle son playing for the bruins had to do with the failure of these idiots to act responsibly?

I agree. Even with no intent and a freak unfortunate hit, why not a minor suspension? Players should be expected to show some regard for one another.

A criminal investigation is a little ridiculous though. I don't know canadien law, but wouldn't they have to show that it was a hit out of realm that a sports participant consent to, and that Chara had intent to injure? People are hyperventilating over this incident.

Yes its goofy!.... Just some common sense from these " men", and I do use that term loosely on these cowards, would have avoided all that I am sure is to follow.

Personally, I was done with it if they had done the right thing ...but then again... if they had done the right thing they would not have been he nhl.
Instead they went with the GASOLINE ON THE FIRE approach. ...The betman way.

P.S. Given the extra time, I now do question this guys intent. More to follow!

Enjoy one and all

[toonarmy]

LMAO at police investigating the Chara hit! This reminds me of the time when then-Yankee Dave Winfield killed a seagull with a throw against the Blue Jays and the police arrested Winfield after the game and charged him with cruelty to animals. I mean wtf? Do Canadians understand that sometimes s*** happens in sports? I don't think I've ever seen so much whining about a play that came from a player with no past history of being a thug. The league made its decision based on the rules of the game. I agree with the Montreal fans (and others) who are directing their anger at the rules needing to be changed because they have a very valid point, however you cannot suspend a player for bad luck that occurred within the rules of the game. I hope that this incident makes the NHL get serious about protecting its players with some very straightforward changes in the rules, but even rules changes will not wipe out freak injuries that occur on occasion.

[XXXIV]

This just in!

Could give us some insight into how the nhl decided to absolve their house team of guilt...This is classic...and fits almost perfectly!