What does everyone think of this hit and the suspension that was handed to Downie?
Personally, I feel that 20 games was too much. The NHL should keep those big rulings for indicidents that are way outside the game of hockey (Simon, Bertuzzi, McSorley) Don't get me wrong, the hit was for sure dirty, but hitting is still part of this game. McCammond had his head down and there was no elbow to the head. The only thing he did wrong was leave his feet and I don't feel that warrants 20 games.
It's time for the NHL to step up and make a definitive rule regarding head shots. Last year there were similar hits to Downie's that went without penalty AND suspension.
I could not agree more with Jay. I grew up in the Broad Street Bully era and love the rough stuff ! But this cheap crap that goes on has to be eliminated as much as possible before someone gets killed. Downie deserved everything he got head down or not by McAmmond.
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Rod Edwards Pittsburgh Penguins / Wilkes Barre Penguins General Manager BRHL2
Think of it like this, Bertuzzi spent over a season out of hockey because of the hit. It numbered 20 games, but it counts as more. McSorley never played in the NHL after that suspension, so that also counts to the suspension. Yes I think 20 games is a bit too high, I would have thought that 15 would have been a bit more acceptable. But this is a young guy with plenty of time left in the NHL, best he learns his lessons before he gets into the league, then the league handing out many more once he makes it.
