But why hit him in the head when you can just do a regular check? 1-2 games, no more than that
What do you think he was trying to do? This "why did he have to hit him in the head" argument always comes from people who clearly have never played a competitive game before. Things happen fast. END.OF.STORY.
There were less hits to the head when guys were taught to not admire a pass or skate with their head down.
Terry Koshan @koshtorontosun 54m
#Leafs Lupul on Hedman: "I did not realize I got him in the head. I saw he was hurt. By no means did I go and try to hit him in the head."
come on man Hedman had this coming for going after kadri. I kinda wish he was more seriously injured tbh
A suspension is deserved here for completely unacceptable posting that brings the whole board into disrepute.
With respect to Lupul, my guess is that the panel is probably right, 2 games. That Hedman neglected to protect himsel will be considered irrelevant for disciplinary purposes. It was a blindside hit and there was clear contact to the head. Moreover, Lupul could easily have pulled up. That Lupul has no history might drop the penalty to one game, but that is the lowest result possible, IMO.
I'll venture off and say none. I know Ray Ferraro tried to sell it on air by reciting "principal contact" on the head, but the rule specifically states:
Illegal Check to the Head – A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered.
If you watch the video below, I would say a few things. First, there isn't a great angle catching Lupul's eyes that I've found. If anyone can get a shot of his face before the hit, that may change things. Second, the refs on the ice only called him on a minor, they didn't assess a match penalty. This may be due to the fact that Hedman popped right up, but unless a video comes out of Lupul tracking the hit right up to the headshot then I would wager Lupul gets off free.
- No history
- Can't see an intent to harm
- Lupul gets one foot up - not both
- Lupul didn't really charge or target, he was tracking the puck and Hedman pulled a move at the blue line
- Refs didn't assess a match on the ice
- Hedman pops right back up.
However, if the Toronto media blows this up over night that might put some pressure on the NHL to slap something on this. One game max if so, but I'd put my money on nothing.
Also, Hedman... get your head up? In the neutral zone and approaching the blue line? Jeez
When Hedman notices the ref standing near him; he puts his hands to his eyes to pretend he might be injured. He's then fine momentarily; until you see him skate passed another ref; suddenly he gets "dizzy" again and puts his hand back to his eyes.
He was also back on the ice shortly afterward.
Hallmark signs of embellishment from a player on a team that was losing and needing an extended penalty.
If you ask me Hedman is a little nancy and hockey is over scrutinized already. This was a simple hockey play; Hedman lost his awareness on the ice. You can't always blame the hitter.
If a bike cruises through a red light and a car hits them; is it the cars fault? Look both ways Hedman; then stop faking injuries. Karma has a way of biting you on the ass.
He may just get a fine but let's call a spade a spade here, that kind of hit isn't allowed anymore. It was a hit to the head, Lupul claimed he wasn't even trying to hit him on a post-game interview on TSN during the Oilers-Sharks broadcast but I think by watching it we know that's not entirely accurate. 1-2 games is probable, if he doesn't get that we dodged a bullet. Dumb play by Lupul, we wouldn't want someone doing that to one of our players.
Unless Hedman misses time, it won't and shouldn't be a suspension.
That's as incidental as it gets. Both Hedman and Lupul were looking at the play, and that's how neither of them realised how the check was going to play out.
True, but irrelevant. Doesn't matter if it's by accident or intentional, a hit to the head is a hit to the head. Probably a game, that's about it.
sorry someone beat me to it.
Acording to Hockey Canada:
Any player who ducks, dives, bends down and exposes his head and reicved direct or indirect contact from an opponent, (the opponent will NOT be penalized as the head was not targeted)
