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Todd Ingarfield's avatar

Friedman whining about NYI losing the game because of the call on Czikas is comically bad. Dallas effectively lost 1/3 of their blue line on that play.

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Adam Sharp's avatar

I believe the ejection call is probably soft, but I think it's an important message the NHL is sending about these seasoned physical players injuring young talent. It seems like they don't like the idea of teaching young players to keep their head up by concussing them for half the season.

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Robert Tiffin's avatar

If it's soft, the rule is soft. But I'd rather see aggressors suffer a tad more than players' brains getting damaged. Easy trade for me.

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Adam Sharp's avatar

I would agree that prioritizing punishing guys for not avoiding iffy hits is better than just telling young players, "Sorry buddy, you skated a bit too low, here's some CTE for the rest of your life." Ideally the rules protect Bichsel better in that scenario.

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Oldepunk's avatar

I still say it was a predatory hit and deserves suspension especially with Cisckas' history of bad hits

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CScotty's avatar

This argument is as dumb as the one in the NFL regarding catches a few years back. Guys lives are being changed FOREVER by idiot headhunters playing a “game”. Shoulder hits shoulders. That’s hockey. Shoulder hits head? Literally the definition of headhunting.

“Ooops”? Doesn’t cut it. Ask Savard. Ask Karyia. Ask our Steven Johns. Ask Lindros.

Lack of respect for your opponents should lead you OUT of the game. Czekas-out. Dumba? Out. He came literally an inch from decapitating Dickenson.

Protecting the players should be the PRIORITY. Not some arcane overly complicated rules.

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