Wilson gets 20 god damn games..

[Maacoshark]

The god damn NHL sucks.  I missed the Blues game on Sunday. My stupid DVR recorded the NHL channel because in the guide it claimed it was showing the game, but the game was on another channel [FUCK COMCAST]. I just watched it today. I did not see that as a suspension. Tom was flying towards the play and that idiot Sundqvist cut across the ice right in front of him and did nothing to protect himself. Tom clearly spun in an attempt to NOT hurt him. As I said, the league is using this and Tom Wilson to support their anti-concussion lawsuit and public opinion. Tom Wilson is just a fucking pawn.

     I'm not as bias as you on this. I'm fine with a suspension but 20 games is too much.

[ArJunaZ]

I've watched the hit at least 40 times.  It was a very ODD situation. I don't believe that Tom was targeting Sundqvist at all. That kid turned right into Willy's path and Tom obviously tried to minimize the impact IMO. I place much more fault in Sundqvist who seemed to have zero awareness, which as we all know is the number one killer of hockey players.

[DC_1908]

The NHL isn't going back to what it was. Neither is the NFL. The pussification of the country and refusing to allow men to be men has infected sports. The players will have to adjust or they'll simply be kicked out of the league.

They will.  We just need to be aggressive and quit given em money 

[DC_1908]

I've watched the hit at least 40 times.  It was a very ODD situation. I don't believe that Tom was targeting Sundqvist at all. That kid turned right into Willy's path and Tom obviously tried to minimize the impact IMO. I place much more fault in Sundqvist who seemed to have zero awareness, which as we all know is the number one killer of hockey players.

This case is about as weak as it gets.


It would be plausible that the league is using 20 for PR and media hype because they know it’s weak, and will knock it down on appeal so they can “look charitable”

[alta]

and 20 games is a phukin joke, the punishment does not fit the crime. Even if he deserves the habitual tag.

[Mickstix]

Does he have an actual chance at getting it reduced on appeal?

[Beaglefan2]

So of the 20 games, I figure Wilson deserves 10 of it for the hit and the stupidity of doing it in the last preseason game.


Caps coaching deserves the other 10 for not telling him to not hit at all on the last game, or just not play him.  Why take a chance on suspension or injury?  He didn't need the time.


I don't think Wilson gets paid for the 20 games - correct?  If so, that one hit, will cost him over a million bucks!!

[ArJunaZ]

This case is about as weak as it gets.


It would be plausible that the league is using 20 for PR and media hype because they know it’s weak, and will knock it down on appeal so they can “look charitable”

I hope you are right. 20 games is a gross injustice IMO. I think the 5 minute major was excusable, but unwarranted. I don't believe any suspension was warranted.
Ask yourself, what could Willy possibly have done differently.

[alta]

Does he have an actual chance at getting it reduced on appeal?

yes, a very good chance. There is a direct appeal with Buttman, but if that doesn’t work there is also an arbitration appeal he can use

[BlackIce]

The NHL isn't going back to what it was. Neither is the NFL. The pussification of the country and refusing to allow men to be men has infected sports. The players will have to adjust or they'll simply be kicked out of the league.

All the major sports have instituted rules in recent years to take danger out of games.  In the NBA, the least violent league probably, there are the deliberate foul rules.  In the NHL, it's all the new limits on type of hitting allowed and more restrictive rules on goalie interference.  In baseball it's the tighter restrictions on throwing at hitters and the more restrictive rules regarding runner/fielder contact at 2B and home plate.  In the NFL it's the more restrictive blocking rules and the rules to protect the QB.  I think the players are in favor of it, and I think there is one overriding reason:  As sports get more lucrative and player contracts across the board do also, organizations want to protect their investments and players want to protect what is now massive earning potential.  It isn't a matter that players are wusses; they want to make sure they can get rich with the smallest possible chance of an injury spoiling the party.

[Maacoshark]

I've watched the hit at least 40 times.  It was a very ODD situation. I don't believe that Tom was targeting Sundqvist at all. That kid turned right into Willy's path and Tom obviously tried to minimize the impact IMO. I place much more fault in Sundqvist who seemed to have zero awareness, which as we all know is the number one killer of hockey players.

     I agree with Sundqvist being unaware. I have been arguing with some idiots on the HF boards about it. Those guys are clueless. They all think you should be able to dippsy doodle around with your head down without getting hit. Its hockey not figure skating.

[Maacoshark]

I hope you are right. 20 games is a gross injustice IMO. I think the 5 minute major was excusable, but unwarranted. I don't believe any suspension was warranted.
Ask yourself, what could Willy possibly have done differently.

   The only thing he could have done was lower His body so contact wasnt so high.

[DC_1908]

I hope you are right. 20 games is a gross injustice IMO. I think the 5 minute major was excusable, but unwarranted. I don't believe any suspension was warranted.
Ask yourself, what could Willy possibly have done differently.

well, i guess grab his while drinkin some soy milk while saying “Mr Bettman and Uncle Ted says that’s way it is”. . .

[dpf1971]

When looking at the angle of the hit, it was very much like the hit that put Savard out of hockey (imho) so I understand the suspension.  Though like many, the number of the games is a good deal off what it should be.  Ten ... Fifteen at the very most, but not Twenty. 
But my question is this; wtf are tall players supposed to do when making contact with smaller guys; double over?  I mean, the area of contact will almost end up being high but of no fault what-so-ever to guys like Wilson.  Its not like Pronger throwing out a chicken-wing (elbow) and taking someone's head off .... and then putting on a "I don't know what you're talking about" look on his face.  From their side they are generally making a clean hit and I don't want to blame a guy either for being small; but isn't that why small guys (during the history of the sport) are generally frowned up?

[Maacoshark]

When looking at the angle of the hit, it was very much like the hit that put Savard out of hockey (imho) so I understand the suspension.  Though like many, the number of the games is a good deal off what it should be.  Ten ... Fifteen at the very most, but not Twenty. 
But my question is this; wtf are tall players supposed to do when making contact with smaller guys; double over?  I mean, the area of contact will almost end up being high but of no fault what-so-ever to guys like Wilson.  Its not like Pronger throwing out a chicken-wing (elbow) and taking someone's head off .... and then putting on a "I don't know what you're talking about" look on his face.  From their side they are generally making a clean hit and I don't want to blame a guy either for being small; but isn't that why small guys (during the history of the sport) are generally frowned up?

     Its not like Wilson towers over everyone. Sundqvust isn't small. He is 6foot3

[alta]

If the NHL had any consistency and if Buttman had any balls, they'd be talking to Marchand tomorrow about a couple days off

[ArJunaZ]

Marchand is a real honest to goodness piece of shit, so you can be sure his shit don't stink and he will get by all the flies untouched.

[dpf1971]

     Its not like Wilson towers over everyone. Sundqvust isn't small. He is 6foot3

True; I should have added to the size of some players the instances of when players reaching for pucks ... looking down at the puck, stuck in their feet ... ect. that puts their heads in risky areas, ripe to get his by a player that's even only standard NHL player.

[PUCKNRUSH]

This IS the adjustment he needs to make.  Make SURE the hits are through the "core" of the body.  Stay away from the head -- I don't care if he's 6'4" -- he can get low when he hits.


And it will hurt not to have his energy but I don't think it is season altering.  It would be if it happened 20 games in but not at the start -- they can adjust to this because teams don't get playing really physically until the standings start to sort out after the midpoint of the season.

Hey Apace.
I think your post hits the nail on the head! I certainly didn’t like the 20 gamer, but this is obviously a MESSAGE SENDER of a suspension, if there ever was one.
All here know I’m an NHL old schooler. I have wrestled emotionally with the watering down process, over the years, of the rules for player safety, watching helplessly, as the game gets softer and softer.
My point is that I love the old physical hockey, and gripe about the newer NHL.....BUT......in order for me to continue to enjoy the game the way it is now, I’ve gone through the reluctant process of having to ACCEPT, grudgingly, the new way. Why! Because they are enforcing them! I hate it, but there’s just no damn way around it anymore.
THEREFORE, if we old school fans have to accept it, then so does Willie.  Because it’s now for him, down to whether he will PLAY or not, and contribute to the team! He must change his manner of approach when he’s going to lay a hit on somebody, PERIOD!
Agree also Apace, that his size is no excuse, at this point.  This doesn’t mean it’s a not a FACTOR, it’s just something he has to accommodate for in his physical play! If Wilson is to take one thing out of the suspension, it should be the message that the onus is on him. Especially now!
 I too am glad that it was at the beginning of the season and not later in the season.  I will also hope that his appeal get some a few less games, if that appeal can come in a timely manner!
I know one thing, his presence was missed tonight in Shittsburg!


Rush

[PUCKNRUSH]

When looking at the angle of the hit, it was very much like the hit that put Savard out of hockey (imho) so I understand the suspension.  Though like many, the number of the games is a good deal off what it should be.  Ten ... Fifteen at the very most, but not Twenty. 
But my question is this; wtf are tall players supposed to do when making contact with smaller guys; double over?  I mean, the area of contact will almost end up being high but of no fault what-so-ever to guys like Wilson.  Its not like Pronger throwing out a chicken-wing (elbow) and taking someone's head off .... and then putting on a "I don't know what you're talking about" look on his face.  From their side they are generally making a clean hit and I don't want to blame a guy either for being small; but isn't that why small guys (during the history of the sport) are generally frowned up?

Well said dpf, I hold the very same opinion.  I don’t like the fact that larger physical guys for the team would have to find a way to “scrunch up“ for lack of better word, if they’re going to lay a hit on the smaller guy! My argument would be it’s not their fault that nature blessed them with a larger size!
The problem, and the suckey part, is that the DOPS I believe, is trying to communicate just that!  So now it’s reduced down to guys not playing. And for longer periods of time, which cumulatively have definitive adverse affects on their team, as well as their careers.  To me it definitely is not at all fair! Unfortunately I don’t think it’s changing anytime soon.
Good post dpf!


Rush