April 19, 2011

SportsFilter: The Tuesday Huddle:

A place to discuss the sports stories that aren't making news, share links that aren't quite front-page material, and diagram plays on your hand. Remember to count to five Mississippi before commenting in anger.

posted by huddle to general at 06:00 AM - 15 comments

The Penguins continue to find a way to take headshots at their opponents, owner and league be damned.

posted by dfleming at 06:51 AM on April 19, 2011

Wow, that's fuuuuuuucked up. What the hell is going on in Pittsburgh?

posted by NoMich at 07:23 AM on April 19, 2011

Confidence game updated with scores through last night.

posted by NoMich at 07:29 AM on April 19, 2011

"We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players. We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action."

posted by 86 at 08:27 AM on April 19, 2011

Confidence game updated with scores through last night.

Unfortunately, my picks tend to have severe acrophobia so I shouldn't last where I am.

posted by dfleming at 08:42 AM on April 19, 2011

Unless the NHL is (or starts) doing tape review and post-game suspensions (even for missed penalty calls), players are going to take those cheap shots.

posted by kokaku at 09:47 AM on April 19, 2011

Unless the NHL is (or starts) doing tape review and post-game suspensions (even for missed penalty calls)

Yes. NFL does it. So why not the NHL?

posted by graymatters at 10:20 AM on April 19, 2011

My only guess, gray, is that they're trying to find the balance of profit-from-violence and keep-the-players-healthy-for-more-violence. I say this as a hockey fan who's fed up with the cheap hits and fighting.

posted by kokaku at 01:22 PM on April 19, 2011

Another one of these tonight, please.

posted by Mr Bismarck at 02:15 PM on April 19, 2011

Kunitz suspended one game along with Downie

posted by Debo270 at 02:59 PM on April 19, 2011

I just went onto the Guardian website to see the score and they mentioned this in the text commentary. A brochure promoting Michael Owen.

posted by JJ at 04:28 PM on April 19, 2011

What a joke the NHL's "discipline" has become. If they really want to eliminate deliberate hits to the head, than Kunitz should be out until at least next season. That was just a blatant intentional elbow aimed directly at Gagne's head. I don't see how Colin Campbell can defend his decision. Unbelievable...

posted by MeatSaber at 04:47 PM on April 19, 2011

Wonder how Crosby feels having to watch guys like Kunitz and Cooke night after night pulling the same crap on opponents that has kept him out for the year and possibly longer.

NHL could make matters real simple - any headshot is an immediate fine and suspension. The fine needs to be substantial.

posted by cixelsyd at 06:06 PM on April 19, 2011

The fine needs to be substantial.

I believe the league can only fine players up to $2,500, per the CBA. That's on top of lost salary for suspensions.

They need to do something, though. It seems as if there's a hit like this on a daily basis nowadays. I realize it's just more scrutiny than the players acting as if it's the Wild West out there, but it still make s the league look incompetent on a daily basis. They really clamp down on these hits, especially since they're in the playoffs now, and the players will adjust their games accordingly. No one wants to sit out a round or more because of a stupid play...

posted by MeatSaber at 10:17 PM on April 19, 2011

Not to mention the increase in concussions and that the improved understanding of concussions means a player is likely to be out for months rather than shaking it off and returning in the same game.

posted by kokaku at 05:30 AM on April 20, 2011

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