MONTREAL, QC. — You are welcome to review the following videos provided by Brendan Shanahan, NHL disciplinarian. The first two illustrate hits that are solid collisions but are still within the bounds considered legal by the league. The third video is a check that was described as dangerous but was not assessed any supplementary discipline by Shanahan.
Shanahan outlined the following factors that are considered when making a ruling:
- Whether the head is targeted in an intentional or reckless way
- If the head changes position either immediately prior to or during contact putting the player in a vulnerable position
- Prior discipline history
Clean hits: Gillies on Smith
Clean hits: Letang on Filippula
No suspension: Malone on Campoli
Shanahan cleared Malone even though the hit was more devastating and Campoli was injured on the play. Malone received a match penalty on the play. Malone had been looking for trouble the entire game.
The facts concerning the collision between Letang and Pacioretty were outlined in the article “Incompetence Will Get a Free Pass” :
- Letang was in possession of the puck when hit with a Pacioretty shoulder.
- Letang cut into the middle of the ice in the high slot putting himself in a dangerous scoring position, with Pascal Dupuis streaking untouched to the net.
- Letang, by his own admission, dropped his head as he attempted to take a shot. “I was taking a shot. I had my head down,” said Letang.
- Pacioretty hit Letang with a shoulder, did not leave his feet, nor did he extend his arms. (Malone left his feet and followed through with his elbow)
- Letang received a bloody nose, passed the concussion protocol, and returned to the ice a short time later.
- Referees did not call a penalty on the play.
- Pacioretty personally apologized to Letang right away, and showed no malintent.
- Pacioretty has no suspension history.
By the criteria established by Shanahan, it would appear that he has no justification to suspend Pacioretty.