At first I was disappointed in the NHL for fining and suspending Steve Downie for his hit on Ben Lovejoy while not suspending Raffi Torres (who had just returned from a lengthy suspension for a prior incident) for his hit on Brent Seabrook. But then I realized I hate the Pens (Lovejoy's team) and like the Hawks (Seabrook's team) and just wanted Downie's hit to be deemed legal as some sort of shot at the Pens. In retrospect, however, Downie clearly leaves his feet after carrying significant speed into his hit, while Torres coasts into his brutalization of Seabrook. As in all sports, the NHL is seeking to crack down significantly on concussions and thus hits to the head. But hockey cannot, should not, and will not be deprived of dude's who skate with their heads down getting crushed.
Anyway, have a look for yourself. Both pretty savage. Downie first, Torres second.
It seems like there is more grey area in terms of headshots for these guys to maneuver in than the NFL and other sports. Its way easier to spot a safety leading with his helmet plowing through a receiver coming over the middle than it is to see a guy following through with his elbow against the boards. Also easier to determine intent to injure when every linebacker and defensive back makes it his mission to ensure that receiver hears footsteps the next time he is running down the field. It will be interesting to see when they realize theres no effective way to legislate these hits out of hockey.
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