I wouldn't mind seeing them make it to where if the player gets injured and games the other player wouldn't be eligible to return until the same time as the injured player.
It's really hard to do this though. A player could be faking an injury just to keep the other player out longer. Also, some players get hurt more easily than others, especially when it comes to concussions. Players may have already suffered concussion in the past whether they realized it at the time or not which could make their next concussion even worse. I have definitely felt the same way before though, but it is a very slipper slope. Sometimes a player may have a brutal cheapshot delivered to them, but they get right back and are okay. Does that player get less games? There are a lot of factors that come into play, but at least the league is finally moving in the right direction. I wouldn't mind the suspensions being longer in general though.
Pretty much all of these guys have worked so incredibly hard to just make it to the NHL. No one deserves to have a few stupid cheapshots that lead to concussions end their career.
Erskine has a phone hearing so its 5 games or less.
I suppose it's the cynicism talking, but I wouldn't be surprised if Erskine got a game or even just a stern talking to and a fine. The latter would be wrapped up with statements like "first offense", "bad reaction", and "no intent to injure".
I wouldn't mind seeing them make it to where if the player gets injured and games the other player wouldn't be eligible to return until the same time as the injured player.
That would never fly. Less egregious headshots have led to the other guy having head injuries last for a long time.
I suppose it's the cynicism talking, but I wouldn't be surprised if Erskine got a game or even just a stern talking to and a fine. The latter would be wrapped up with statements like "first offense", "bad reaction", and "no intent to injure".
He will get off with nothing because he will use the James Neal defense.
PHILADELPHIA -- Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said forward Wayne Simmonds sat out Saturday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes due to a concussion he sustained during Friday's game against the Washington Capitals.
Holmgren said there was no timetable for Simmonds' return to the lineup.
Simmonds, who entered Saturday's game tied for the team lead in scoring with five points, was elbowed in the face by Washington Capitals defenseman John Erskine late in the first period of Friday's 3-2 loss and did not return. On Saturday, the NHL suspended Erskine three games for the hit.
"It's disappointing," Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said before the game of losing Simmonds. "We certainly could use him in the lineup right now. His ability to score, his physical presence, the roles and situations and the minutes that he plays on our team, we'll miss him."
Last edited by MiamiScreamingEagles: 02-02-2013 at 08:04 PM.
Reason: Added second quote
