Blackhawks Streak: Over
The Blackhawks streak ended on Friday night in Denver.
Corey Crawford was one of many Blackhawks to have a bad night at the Pepsi Center; the four officials had a bad game as well. Crawford allowed five goals on only 19 and was pulled after two periods.
For the Hawks, the game actually started quite well. A gorgeous series of passes between Brandon Saad, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa ended with Toews scoring his 11th goal of the season.
But from there, the game was dominated by the Avs.
The first period ended tied, but the second period was a debacle. After allowing four goals in a game only once all season – in the second game of the campaign in a 6-4 win over Phoenix – Crawford allowed four in less than ten minutes and the Avs buried the Hawks in the second period.
When the dust settled, the scored was 5-1 through 40 minutes.
Bryan Bickell added a pretty goal in the third, but it was too little, too late.
The most glaring issue for the Blackhawks was at the center position. Three centers for Colorado had magnificent games at the expense of a tired Hawks team.
Matt Duchene had a goal and three assists while winning eight of 13 faceoffs.
Paul Stastny had one goal with two assists, and won 13 of 21 faceoffs.
And Ryan O’Reilly scored his first goal of the season and added an assist while winning 11 of 16 faceoffs.
See a trend?
Colorado won 36 of 55 faceoffs in the game, with even Toews finishing under .500 at the dot; Chicago’s captain won 10 of 22 on the night. Andrew Shaw won only one of ten, Marcus Kruger won only one of six, and Dave Bolland won seven of 16 draws.
The Blackhawks were also out-hit 21-12, with half of the Hawks’ hits coming from Brandon Bollig and Michal Rozsival (three each).
And, even with a comfortable lead in the third period, Colorado continued to put pressure on. The Blackhawks were credited with more shots (33) than the Avs (31) in the game, but Colorado still put 12 shots on net in the third.
When the final horn sounded, the record books could be written in ink. The longest streak to begin a season without a regulation loss in NHL history has ended at 24 games.
After the game, coach Joel Quenneville appeared to be relieved when speaking with the media. In spite of an ugly performance, he gave his team credit for their historic run.
On Sunday, the Blackhawks will return to the United Center to face an Edmonton team that will present many of the same skills that gave the Blackhawks trouble in Denver on Friday night. Until then, we all have to wait to see how the Hawks will respond.
forgive my ignorance, Tab– but does Alfredsson take faceoffs for Ottawa??
Would Pirri & Olsen be enough for Ottawa to give him up?
Alfredsson is not a center, Stefanie. And the cost (in prospects/picks) is the biggest question for any team with interest in the Sens’ captain.
thanks :)
I was unders the impression there were 3 streaks not just one. 11 game win streak Franchise Record, 24 game point streak to Start a season record by 7 games and 30 games point streak overall 2nd all time. It is criminal that Paul Stastny had a 3 point game tonight. He should have been suspended for the hit.
I was very disappointed we didn’t drop the gloves with them in the first or second period or both.
Alfredsson is Not good at faceoffs, Goc Is pretty good.
1st (’14) pick & B-level prospect
Sharp-Toews-Kane
Alfredsson-Bolland-Hossa
Bickell-Shaw-Stalberg
Saad-Kruger-Frolik
or
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Sharp-Bolland-Kane
Bickell-Shaw-Stalberg
Kruger-Goc-Frolik
Dont touch D!
Thank you, Tab – for another good summary.
I’m glad that (so far) nobody is going over a cliff or anthing extreme because the Hawks finally lost one.
You covered it – they were outplayed…especially faceoffs. But, it’s not the end of the world! Back to playing their game Sunday – GO HAWKS!!
There’s talk of Alfredsson retiring, and people here want him? And at wing yet, when we need dot help?
Ryan, the NHL doesn’t recognize a streak covering 2 seasons.
Agreed Dickie no need to panic and for those that are, (just stay clam). The Hawks have some much needed rest coming with only 3 games over 9 days and only 5 games over the next 16. Good time for them to rest up.
I still don’t understand the Bollig thing, I wish they would bring up Hayes, Smith, Morin or Pirri to see if they have to actually go out an get a player. Bowmen talks of all the depth in Rockford but if you’re not going to use it then you have none.
Regarding Hayes/Smith or other call ups-
My only guess to why the Hawks don’t is that it will effect the Hawks ability to control Cap $$$ for possible late season additions or it may effect the ELC terms/control-??????
To everyone- this is not my PANIC about this team- but last nite finally exposed some of the Hawks short comings- Face-offs, lack of hitting, size…
The Avs were much stronger and FASTER than the Hawks… to a fan that has only seen the Avs play twice- it is shocking to think that they are not in the top 5 or 6 teams in the West!!! They are as fast as the Hawks, Hit the shit out of the Hawks, have 3 great centers… the Avs are supposed to be weak on D- they are the first team to put Kane on his Ass 3-4 times when he tried to Shimmy around them….
I don’t know how they don’t make the playoffs… and are a horrible match up for the Hawks!!!
And why Bollig or Carcillo didn’t cheapshot Landeskog after his 2 cheapshots is still a mystery! I wanted to get off the couch and bust a stick over his head… I think he just came off of a concussion– he has no respect.
Playoffs-
Hits 21-12… that stat is a joke! Quality hits were about 15-1… I know the Hawks are skaters not hitters… but let’s not kid ourselves the more the Avs hit – the less the Hawks skated (Especially Kane, Hoss, and Bolland).
My Point- this team needs to add the True Power Forward/ (Center better) for playoffs… we are a very good team- but the refs in the playoffs tend to swallow the whistles- and Hitting is condoned for Playoff RATINGS!!!
Wall is right about the physical play, and although it was mentioned to start Tab’s article, it bears repeating: Crawford was TERRIBLE last nght. He’s played well this year, so I will not jump up and down YET, but clearly last night’s Crawford would mean an early exit from playoffs (again.) Let’s hope it’s a 1-nite bad night and not 2011-12 redux. There also remains no doubt in my mind the Hawks STILL will need a better option at the dot and some size/physical presence to make it through the playoffs. That said, it’s been a grinding tough stretch, everyone looked exhausted both mentally and physically, and the Avs put it to us. It happens. Put the hype behind us, let’s get some rest and see what we can do Sunday..
The streak is a staggering achievement, couldn’t be prouder of the hawks. Truly a remarkable devopment of pieces which came together to form a force. They are for real.
Fatigue finally caught up with them. Many games, few nights, and that altitude thing is a fact. How else to explain the face-off struggles? Thats been a strong point all year. They simply lacked their usual tenaciousness and it showed at the dot, in board battles, in the D getting back, in crow’s awkwardness and positioning deep in the net…. But most obviously in their team speed. They were a step slow and the Av’s are fast enough to beat the hawks at their own game.
Speaking of beat, Brandon Bollig has to be more effective in his role as enforcer. I’m talking about timing, the skill of picking a fight to stop opponent momentum, not the pointless dance-a-thon with the other team’s enforcer. During last night’s second period the hawks were whipped every way possible. In the midst of it, bollig got cracked coming out of his own zone. THAT was the time to unleash mayhem. A spirited fight would have given the Hawks a rallying point. If Bollig can’t understand that moment is his JOB, then he has zero value.
Going forward, we have a lot to look forward to, not the least of which is Hawk hockey about every other day for months. Sure, take a look at Pirri, Hayes, Morin, Smith, guys who have improved all season in Rockford. Doubt the iceHogs will make the playoffs. Again. That organization has been mediocre for years and needs to change. They’re lost in the bus shuffle. The boys need playoff experience to get that intensity level to NHL standards.
Clearly the Hawks were tired…they reminded me a lot of the team I watched play in Calgary…the streak was an amazing thing, and there is lots to be happy and thankful about, BUT…
Wall’s comments are spot on…was this game just the inevitable happening??? Did so many games over the last few weeks finally catch up to the Hawks??? Were injuries and sickness a real issue??? Frolik and Hossa did not look the same (as many others), so are many on team fighting off or dealing with the flu bug, its a legitimate question.
What I will say is this…there was no heart last night…except from Bryan Bickell, Brandon Saad, Marcus Kruger and Victor Stahlberg (the four best Hawks). Toews was very average…Hossa a ghost in the last 2 periods…Bolland was an empty vessel…and Halloween must have come early because Kane dressed up (as he has been known to do) as singer Patsy Kline…Shaw wasn’t the same and neither was Frolik…
So again, how much of this was due to sickness and/or fatigue…all of the players I have named, even Kane, have given solid efforts all season…so why so many ghosts in Colorado last night??? Again, let’s just hope it was a combination of fatigue and sickness, because if it wasn’t last night’s game does NOT bode well for Sunday, or the not too distant future…
* Brandon Bollig…decent hustle and he hit some bodies last night…but what is the point of having him on the team, at all, if he doesn’t INTIMIDATE anyone from taking cheap shots against our best players??? Clearly he doesn’t do anything about it…I mean he skated regular shifts last night in the 3rd period when we down a country mile, with the legacy of Statsny’s hit on Shaw still fresh on his mind, and all of cheap shots the Avs took during the game in his face…and what? NOTHING…Bickell had to step in and challenge that chicken-sh$t Landeskog to fight (which after slashing Keith 3 times in front of the official, he politely chickened out)…so again, what is the point of skating Bollig on this team when the only thing he offers DOESN’T WORK…do any of you know how much deeper and better this team would be with either Ben Smith or Jimmy Hayes skating those minutes???
* Corey Crawford…we had better hope this is the new, improved CC, because last night he was back to his old self…he let in an awful goal, and then the flood gates started because he couldn’t get over it…we can’t have that kind of goaltending…if one gets by, let it go and move on…and you know this was the case, because the goals scored all came from horrendous angles taken by CC…all he had to do on any of those goals was come out square with a proper angle from the post and NONE OF THEM GO IN…and that my friends in purely a mental thing…and when the camera zoomed in on CC after the goals did any of you notice how fast his eyes were racing side to side???
*Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook…I saw this exact game from them in Calgary, and the next game they were back to normal, so I will just chalk this up to fatigue and/or sickness…but man, were they BAD last night…in fact, I think Keith feel asleep during the game and kept dreaming of being a Spanish Bullfighter…because he kept doing the “Ole” all night long…
*Patsy Kane…again, I hope this was just sickness because Kane’s ENORMOUS lack of effort last night was putrid to watch…on 3 of the Avs goals, Kane literally skated away from a loose puck, allowing Colorado to gain easy possession, attack our zone outnumbering our defence, and then score…Kane conveniently “lost possession” of the puck every time it came to him in the Colorado corners…I just don’t get it…he has been so committed to a team first game all season, and then he dumps that heartless turd last night…wow…
So, we finally lose…but why did it have to be so badly??? Now the question becomes how long mentally does it take this team to recover from that stinker last night…injuries aside, this team is loaded with talent, but talent means NOTHING if you don’t play with courage and heart…and with Edmonton coming to town on Sunday, the Hawks are going to have to be at the TOP of their game to win this…so much is riding on how Crawford responds to last night…will it be the old CC or the new?
Horrible game last night against a team that has given us fits in the past, and from what I saw,will continue to in the future. Hawks were flat out tired last night. It was obvious. Yes, the Avs are fast, but so are we. I think the guys were a bit out of synch at times, a few are not 100% at the moment physically, and I still cant figure out why the hell Bollig was in the arena. CarBomb and Bollig’s minutes and performances were pretty much what I thought we would get from them last night,and it hurt us. Bolland was terrible at the dot- actually, they all were, but he managed to me a minus-3 for the night on top of it…way to step up Bolly. I really would like to see if all the talent we keep hearing about in Rockford is actually going to help us until Sharp is back. I know Bollig isnt the answer….
Great comments by Wall, Negzz, and IceHogst…the art of being an “enforcer” is NOT duking it out with the other other brainless mush, it’s knowing when to flex your muscle to influence the game, and intimidate their players from taking cheap shots. That point in the 2nd period that IH talked about WAS such a time…but he did nothing, and the crap from Colorado continued…
Bollig is a WASTE of a roster space, and that’s a shame because so many kids in Rockford are really good and deserve the ice time (see Hayes, Smith, Pirri, and Morin)
If I remember correctly It was Emery in Net in the 6-4 win in Phoenix so this is the first game all season that Crawford has allowed more than 3 goals in a game.
Won’t take that long to recover. I fully expect them to beat down Edmonton tomorrow. After which, they have a nice break til Thursday. Step odd the ledge boys.
I’m fine with the run being over. I don’t care what any of the boys said to the contrary, I think it was a mental monkey on their collective backs that only added to the overall attrition that their recent 10 day schedule posed them.
I’m not concerned about the depth of the loss last night; every team has a stinker sooner or later and with the accumulation of everything they were handling it had to come. Let’s see what happens Sunday again the Oil and after a much needed few days rest.
All good points guys and it looks like we’re on the same page. If by now they can’t see that Bollig is a waste then I throw my hands up. This has the makings of John Scott all over again. As I stated I would hope they bring at least Hayes and Smith up to see if they can fill that role and then go after a center. I remember rumors of Brassard from Columbus before he went out with his injury, but he’s back playing again.
Negzz and Brad are spot on about the Crawford and Bollig/Kane comments…
I have contended all year that the goalies are average… and Only need to be when our Team speed/puck control can limit the quality chances from the opposing teams-
I for one like the way Bowman doesn’t overpay for the goalie slot… and builds the team in front of the goalie… like Whitesox GM- typically doesn’t overpay for pitchers.
To Brad’s point- Landeskog put 2 cheapshots on Hawks Stars- Stastny 1 on Wed. — and no payback!!! This is from a guy who has missed 1/2 games w/ concussion… He is 20 yrs old and He is probably looking in the mirror right now smiling and thinking the Hawks are pussies!!! Someone HAS to make a run at him… and take a 2 game suspension!!! They put Kane on his ass (to the point he quit skating) and honestly I don’t blame him for once… if no one is going stand up, why should he?
Yes, tired… yes we were do for a stinker (probably due for several)… but if your guys are going to stand and watch your STARS get cheap shotted by their STARS!!!!
That was the Embarrassing Part!!!!
Lastly, the 2nd line (and Kane) has been WEAK since Bolly (who has not played very well since his return) came back from injury- and now add Sharp injury… Kane has returned to Last year’s Kane- His shots aren’t getting thru- and He stops skating after 2 hits (because he is basically skating alone on that line)… Once again… This isn’t last year’s Kane bash- Just the observation that he needs people who can skate and finish plays- or he is kind of average.
Many good comments (spot-on)…
Wall – agree about Landeskog. Near the end, when Bickell confronted him, it appeared (to me) to be another, “Excuse me, sir…”. The game was decided and Landeskog just hit Keith in the back of the head – Bickell should have just beat his ass. No polite conversation. Just my opinion…not necessarily an effective deterrent, but a necessary statement.
I also agree about faceoffs – it seems everybody here is aware of that problem. The “lack of hitting, size…” – I’m not so sure. Fatigue had to be a factor. The lack of hitting in general (thru the first 24 games) is somewhat due to the Hawks control of the puck most of the time. They also lead in takeaways. Also, although they’re reluctant to admit it, the streak and the building media bs covering it had to increase pressure (connecting-flight-to-the-point that) they just didn’t play well. Avs MUCH stronger and faster — yes, on a given night?
Sr. Brad – the art of being an “enforcer”…indeed – Bollig isn’t picking the right spots for that contribution.
They can get back to being the Hawks tomorrow…
Mox, I hope you are right and the Hawks take it to the Oilers. But I will say, the Oilers are gonna be hungry. The have been shut out 2 games straight and need a win much worse than the Hawks. It would be a great game to let our top 6 to go no more than 12 minutes each, call up some Icehogs and let them show their stuff. That is not going to happen, I know. Don’t be surprised to see the Oilers flying tomorrow night.
Mike, I agree about oilers…
Kane will not skate alone… 2nd line has been WEAK w/ injured 36- and no 10! put him w/ Toews + Cbomb… (I know Cbomb isn’t that good, just trying to balance lines)…
2nd- 20-36-81
leave 3rd alone-
4th- 52-16-67…
better yet- bring up Smith or Hayes to skate 1st or 2nd lines…
Stastny should not have played in that game. He should have been suspended. Bollig needed to go after him hard. The guy that took Sharp out wasn’t touched. Finally Bickell went after the punk Landeskog, but more was needed there. The Avs had a strategy of getting physical on the Hawks and it worked with the way the game was being called by the refs. There was that one scrum in front of the goal in the third period where both teams where basically in a sumo battle(including Hossa) and no interference was being called. I haven’t seen a play like that in the NHL in the years I have been watching. Does anyone think Crawford should have been pulled mid-period in the second? I see both sides of that issue. It was a disappointing loss, but it does not diminish what the team has accomplished or the goals for this year. To me the game is an indication that the Hawks should at least consider adding one more player if they can find a way to do so without subtracting a significant piece from their current roster. As a fan, I hope the Hawks really take it to the Avs in their next game. Go Hawks.
Rough game it watch especially in the 2nd period when the AVS really took it to them. It will be very interesting to see how this team responds moving forward. Sometimes its good to get your ass kicked once in a while. Crow had an awful game that 2nd goal was terrible. Nice to have some adversity now. Also it will be interesting to see how Bowmand evaluates the center position moving forward.
A realignment rivalry has begun, and I like it. It’s a shame the Hawks are losing the historic rivalry with Detroit, but that’s the way it goes. Usually rivalries are formed through competition, not dominance, and Colorado is an up and coming team that should be very competitive with the Hawks over the next few years. With Duchene, Landeskog, O’Reilly, EJ and Varlemov they have a pretty good core group to continue to build around.
I echo the sentiments of many regarding the streak – fun while it lasted, glad it’s over. Leaving the circus behind and getting back to real life will be a good thing.
My main concern is Crawford, specifically his psyche. The area he has improved from last season was in playing with confidence – he was playing like the tip of the spear. If his confidence is shaken and he slinks back from that leading edge – the Hawks are in trouble. The skaters in front of the goalie can have bad games or even bad stretches and work their way out of it as a group, but the goalie is an island and the area between his ears can be the battleground where the war gets lost.
Not taking anything away from the Avs last night, but the Hawks did look a half step slow. I can’t think of any Hawk player that had a good game last night. Colorado simply out-quicked and out-hustled the Hawks all night long. I will say I’m troubled that Kane seems to downshift in these games and looks lazy and listless. For all his obvious skill, he still gives less than 100% some nights which is still the biggest chink in his armor.
Oil slick ahead – don’t slam on the brakes.
I think the first question to be answered is if Bolland is effective enough to continue to be the 2nd line center. The surface evidence would indicate the answer is no. However, extenuating circumstances should be taken into account. Such as, is he back to 100% game shape after missing time, and because he missed time, has he and Kane been given ample time to develop chemistry?
If that answer is no – Bolland has not been effective 2C and Kane’s talents are not being maximized with the current lineup, then I would suggest this radical change. First, I would not change the Saad-Toews-Hossa line as they have recently shown signs of being a very good top line. But I would shake up the other lines, at least until Sharp returns.
I know this is going to be met with skepticism, if not derision, butI would move Kane back to center the 2nd line and give him two wingers who have some chemistry together and can play a pretty good possession and cycle game and can shoot the puck. Kane at the faceoff dot isn’t going to be appreciably worse than Bolland so really no loss there. Yes, Kane has been in beast mode this season but not very much of that has happened 5on5 on that 2nd line and now with Sharp not there it’s probable his 5on5 productivity will dip even more. Move Bolland back to center the 3rd line and patch a 4th line together with some Icehog tryouts. The Hawks have enough of a cushion in the points race to allow themselves some experiment time.
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Bickell-Kane-Stalberg
Shaw-Bolland-Frolik
Carcillo/Icehog-Kruger-Mayers/Icehog
ER, that would be a hell of a 3d line. But let’s not throw in the towel on Bolland just yet. Before he was injured we were heaping praise on him. Besides, Kane is much more effective on wing. Bollands play last night was no better or worse than the rest of the team. Even Shaw looked tired!!!
More disappointing than losing was letting them get away with the cheap shots. If you’re gonna lose at least go down fighting, literally. And please give J Hayes a shot while Sharp is on the shelf. Let’s hope Edmonton doesn’t find the gear they had last year when they made us look like juniors on more than one occasion.
It was a helluva run!!
I was really hoping they would bring up any of the guys who can skate/finish for this game.
Lots of factors here, most of which have been mentioned (fatigue, altitude, consecutive games against same opponent). Not sure if it has been posted, but I believe this is the first game that the Avs have had Landeskog, O’Reilly, and Johnson all active.
Unless this starts a regression for Crawford (the 2nd and 4th Avs goals looked a lot like goals he was giving up last year), I am not too concerned. Other teams have played it similarly to how the Avs have played the Hawks, and the Hawks have looked good when they defend thru the middle and play with discipline in their own zone. Helps to have your legs when skating, and the Avs are definitely fast as a group with a bunch of good finishers. Can’t lose the loose pucks and board battles, and such a high percentage of face-offs. Crawford/Emery have made key saves to keep us in games thru a bad period or a bad start, until the Hawks take over, and Crawford wasn’t able to do that last night (not all on him, despite the weak go-ahead goal). Also, Foley clearly jinxed their power play back to life without mentioning that half of their specialists have been on the shelf until now.
You can’t put Kane at center, so that’s out. As some have stated a 2nd line center is needed and has been the whole time. A lot depends on what will be given up to get that center. My guess would be Bolland would be part of that, but lets assume he isn’t. I don’t anticipate Sharp being back until a week or two before the playoffs. So this is how I would see the lines up. But like I said a lot of that depends on the asking price. Having 8 D-Man puts a limit on forwards, so maybe they can send Matador in the trade.
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Bickell-(center acquisition)-Kane
Shaw-Bolland-Stalberg
Carcillo/Mayers-Kruger-Frolik
If Bolland is part of the deal then;
Saad-Toews-Hossa
Bickell-(center acquisition)-Kane
Hayes or Smith-Shaw-Stalberg
Carcillo/Mayers-Kruger-Frolik
Wow!! No Hawk love on this blog!! Let’s give these guys a break, okay. They play incredible hockey for (24?) games and all of a sudden, in one game, we have all these problems and faults.
The Hawks looked like they were tired and skating in mud. They had no jump and looked “lifeless”. I’ll take this type of game one out of every ten. The Hawks had a bad game one out of twenty five. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt.
Crawford played deep in his net because the AV’s were walking around our “D” and nobody was back checking due the the fact that we had NO legs. When Crow plays deep in his net, he is prone to give up bad goals, which he did.
I’m not sure that “intimidation” works for the Hawks. Usually, their “intimidation” is their skill and speed. I would have loved to see a good fight in the second period, or a little retribution dealt out to Landeskog or Stastny, but there will be more games down the road and many more times to get retribution. Somtimes you just have to take your lumps, gets some numbers and get back at them down the road.
Sometimes, in order to win the whole war, you have to sacrifice a battle, or two.
Tom, I am not suggesting fighting Landeskog-
Let’s make that clear… I am talking a straight -out cheapshot ( just like the 2 he delivered to our Stars!!!)-
the balls and lack of respect of this 20 yr. old coming off of his own concussion…
that to me was the worst part of game!!!! It isn’t an intimidation/enforcer type of issue.
It is a LIFE lesson for this pompous ass/kid- you don’t take a stick to back of a Norris trophy winner’s head w/ 5 min. left in a blow out!!!! For no reason!!!
Honestly- it is as bad as Torres hit- w/ Raffi – he has a lot less talent- and gets paid to hit everything in site… and it was playoffs- amped up hockey- in last nite’s game,this was just dis-respect! F-you type of play!!!
Wall, I hear ya’ and I understand what you are saying. After all, if you read this blog enough, you know that I’m all for a little “fisticuffs”, when necessary…….LOL. However, it was coming to a time in this season when every team that the Hawks faced were bringing their “A” game and making the HAwks work for every inch of ice.
It was just the Hawks time to lose, that’s all. Let’s stay healthy, win some more games and get ready for a great playoff run!!!
So when the Hawks are getting shelled the proper retaliation is to start taking cheap shots at people? Ok got it!
JS,
No its not ok, when your getting beat by a team that played clean.
Yes it is ok, when your playing a team that took 2 cheap-shots to your players in the head, especially when they didnt even get a 2min, that was a 5min major/ejection/suspension elbow to Shawzers head.
So, yes in a game thats not close score-wise & when they/and only when they cheap-shot our player in the head (regardless if refs missed it, but how could league miss it? is so f-ked up…) is the best time to do it… but even when were down 4goals we come back and almost win… So, maybe even when a game is close, do it.
Only if they did it, then that player deserves it (not another player on the team/superstar type, just the exact player…).
I mean whats the point in suspensions when there only 2-5 games. I dont think anyone should hit anyone in the head! I also think there needs to be 20, 40 & 80 games suspensions so that it is Serious to stop it from happening as much as it does.
The 2-5 games suspension should be for incidental contact to head, even if there was no intent of grazing someone head (for real, not as excuse… hockey play). Its the only way to make it stop. and Yes there would be players suspended for 2 games that dont deserve to be, because they really didnt mean it and checked a player in the chest/shoulder but also slide up a little and grazed the head. Goes with the territory.
All high hits NEED to be reviewed ‘instant replay’ (toronto)/or at intermission if theres no fight/intigator…that stops the play… because missing a 5min major can be the difference in the game/series & all teams deserve the 5min pp(not 2min instigator pk… & dont have that player!). You dont know & it doesn’t always happen, but where are those 2 ‘torro’ series (van/phx) at when our player gets a 5min-major-ejection-suspension-type-hit to head, when the refs make the right call/or instant replay in toronto takes 120 seconds to see if they hit the head, etc. (thats all they need to determine!)
Suspensions:
automatic 2 games or 3-10 games for accidental/no intent but contact in anyway to head.
dirty hits to head:
20 games for 1st time
40 games for 2nd time
80 games for 3rd time
3yrs for 4th time
life for 5th time (crazy to think it take 5 dirty/cheap-shots to head to get banned…)
*all hits from past are retroactive, in terms of 1st, 2nd, 3rd time, etc…
That will make it work & get their attention. Make it serious or it wont ever be (when its 2 games, what a joke.)
P.S.
I dont know why someone like Scott just doesnt just cream those puffs from syracuse (torros) even though hes on another team, he was on team then. or Burrish level him.
You know how in kindergarden when the teachers tell you to turn the other cheek? Be the bigger person? Don’t fight stupidity with stupidity.