Shanahan's reasoning was that Hagelin “finishes his check with his arms high, recklessly hitting Alfredsson high with his elbow.” Alright, an elbow high is bad.
Shanahan's reasoning was that Carkner "delivers two punches to Boyle's head, the second of which knocks Boyle to the ice. With Boyle down Carkner continues to throw punches, connecting at least five more times with a player who has chosen not to engage in this altercation." Punching a guy in the head is ok, but continuing to punch a turtle is bad.
These rulings display the utter hypocrisy of the NHL today: one unintentional high hit in the flow of play is three times more egregious than two direct punches to the head and five more to undefined locations upon a prone player's body.
Now add to the equation the $2,500 fine Shea Weber received for grabbing Henrik Zetterberg by the helmet and slamming the Swede's head into the glass. Zetterberg and Boyle were fine, Alfredsson did not return to the game. It is clear that Shanahan bases these punishments not on how egregious the action, but by the fallout of said action.
Shanahan's process is flawed and unfair.
Punishing Hagelin based on the fact that Alfredsson was hurt does not take into account the fact that the 39 year old has a long history of injuries. Alfredsson has not played a full season since his rookie year due to a litany of bumps, bruises and breaks. The laundry list of ouchies includes knocks to his hip, ankle, back, knee, head, jaw and "upper body" so it is of little surprise that a little bit of contact took him out yet again. Wolski gave him his first recorded concussion earlier this season and doctors (and Lindroses) have shown that it is easier to get another concussion once a player has already had one - if Alfredsson does indeed have another, which has yet to be diagnosed. Ryan Callahan took an elbow to the head from Chris Phillips in Game 2 but he didn't collapse like a house of cards so the play wasn't even reviewed.
Hagelin is classy and was, of course, apologetic for hitting his childhood hero. If anything, the way Hagelin handled himself will endear him even more into the hearts of Ranger fans. But he did make things worse by apologizing in his meeting with Shanny - as most kids learn, by saying "sorry" you are admitting that you've done something wrong. Hags may think he did something wrong but personally, I don't think he did. He finished a check and, if Alfredsson wasn't the NHL equivalent of Elijah Price, he would have skated off with a two minute minor, at most.
As for Carkner, he received most of the punishment he deserved in the game. The refs gave him the appropriate 2, 5 and 10 and all that should be left is a beating at the hands of a Ranger. It is not his fault that Boyle bitched out. And to suspend Carkner for a game that he likely would have been benched for makes the ruling even more silly - as an Sens fan explained to me, MacLean has alternated Carkner with Gilroy in recent weeks so it was more than likely that Carkner would have been out anyway.
So the Rangers lose an energetic, capable and clean (24 PIM in 64 games) kid for the next three games while Ottawa goes about business as usual in Game 3 without Carkner. By no means has justice been served, in any form. But what it is is what it is, and the series continues tonight. Let's hope that the Rangers can recover from the loss of Game 2 and the loss of Carl Hagelin - it is all that they can do.
Senator Series Shanabans - A Deep Dive into Playoff Suspensions
Playoff hockey is known for its intensity, physicality, and high stakes. It's a time when players leave everything on the ice to chase the coveted Stanley Cup. However, with the heightened emotions and physicality, comes the increased potential for disciplinary actions. In this article, we'll take a close look at the Senator Series Shanabans, examining notable suspensions, the rationale behind them, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) about player safety and playoff sanctions.
Section 1: The Playoffs' Physicality
The Playoff Atmosphere: Setting the stage by highlighting the unique intensity and physicality of playoff hockey.
The Role of Player Safety: Discussing the importance of player safety in the modern NHL.
Section 2: Notable Suspensions
A comprehensive examination of some of the most notable playoff suspensions handed out during the Senator Series:
Incident Recaps: Describing the incidents that led to suspensions, including hits, slashes, and altercations.
Impact on the Series: Analyzing how these suspensions affected their respective series and the teams involved.
Section 3: The Shanahan Factor
An in-depth look at Brendan Shanahan's role as the NHL's Senior Vice President of Player Safety and his approach to postseason disciplinary actions:
Shanahan's Decisions: Discussing how Shanahan and his team arrive at decisions regarding suspensions, emphasizing transparency and consistency.
Player Accountability: Exploring the concept of player accountability and the responsibility of maintaining a safe and competitive playing environment.
Section 4: Addressing Common Questions (FAQs)
Answering frequently asked questions about suspensions, player safety, and the playoff environment:
Why are suspensions more common in the playoffs?
An examination of the factors contributing to the increase in disciplinary actions during the postseason.
What impact do suspensions have on teams and their playoff aspirations?
Insights into how suspensions can alter the course of a playoff series and their implications for team success.
Are there any recent rule changes or updates aimed at improving player safety in the playoffs?
A discussion of recent rule changes and safety measures implemented to protect players during the postseason.
Section 5: Conclusion
In the heat of playoff battles, emotions run high, and the intensity reaches its peak. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between the passion of the game and player safety. The Senator Series Shanabans remind us that the NHL is committed to upholding its standards and ensuring that players are safe on the ice, regardless of the postseason stakes. While suspensions may temporarily alter the dynamics of a series, they serve as a powerful reminder that the safety of the athletes remains paramount. As fans, we can enjoy the thrilling moments of playoff hockey while knowing that the league is taking steps to protect its most valuable assets - the players themselves.
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