Send a Message

Posted 8:20 PM ET | Comments 8

I’ve watched the replay numerous times. One thing needs to be done... and a clear message needs to be sent.

Milan Lucic needs to be suspended, or have SOME type of consequence for his hit on Miller tonight.

There’s no question. No matter how many times that I see the hit on Miller, Lucic intended to hurt him, and didn’t need to. The intent to hurt was clear. He could have pulled up, skated around Miller. Instead, he plowed him over, got his elbow up to Miller’s head, and had a look of shock when he received a penalty.

If I’m not mistaken, the NHL and Brendan Shanahan have made it clear that they is trying to crack down on incidents when players are going out and intentionally trying to hurt their opponents. I agree whole heartedly with the suspension to Kaleta. As much as I like him, he deserved that suspension. I agreed with the suspension on James Wisniewski. This is what needs to be removed from the game. Plus, the message needs to be sent to players that this will no longer be tolerated.

Apparently, Milan Lucic missed that, or just doesn’t care. I think this escalation of penalties for hits with the intent to hurt is clear. However, keep it consistent, and keep it severe. If this is to be eliminated from the game, then the penalties need to continue, for EVERYONE. If Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Alexander Ovechkin, or any other high profile player did it to someone, he should be punished just like everyone else. It also doesn’t matter whether the player hit is hurt. If the intent is there, that’s all that matters.

Again, I hope that the NHL steps up and acts on this. Hits with the intent to hurt are a suspension worthy act in the NHL. Make sure Milan Lucic gets that message this time, as well as anyone who may think that this rule doesn’t apply to them.

Filed Under: Brendan Shanahan Intent to Hurt NHL Milan Lucic

gforce

November 12, 2011 9:58 PM ET | Delete
You're kidding.

andydrmm

November 12, 2011 10:52 PM ET | Delete
I'm serious

joel_mc

November 13, 2011 4:29 PM ET | Delete

joel_mc

November 13, 2011 9:41 PM ET | Delete
why is that a goalie think he can come charging out of his crease and then get pissed when a race for the puck happens and he gets hit....its a contact sport.....goalies are just a bunch of whiney babies....im guessing andy youre also a goalie and or buffalo fan.....im sick of goalies whining when this happens. miller put himself in a vulnerable situation he has to be accountable....if this happened in the crease it would be a different story

mf1313

November 13, 2011 11:56 PM ET | Delete
crease or no crease, you cannot make intentional contact with a keeper.

Jsaquella

November 14, 2011 8:44 AM ET | Delete
I don't think that he should be suspended. Miller was 15 feet out of the net and playing the puck. The puck was gone less than a second before the contact. Lucic didn't hit Miller in the head. The charging call is valid. Could have been a double minor for that and goalie interference. Suspension? Going too far. Miller and other goalies need to stay in the net.

joel_mc

November 14, 2011 9:34 PM ET | Delete
well shannahan agrees with lucic....and why is noone talking about a fine for miller? anyone else talks like that swearing to the media gets fined but he's a star goalie so it's ok? not to mention him swinging his goalie stick at lucic after the hit id say thats intent to injure so i wouldnt feel to badly for miller and his explosive whiney bitch-ass temper....nuff said

cuppacoldtea

November 18, 2011 10:30 AM ET | Delete
The call should have been 5 and a game on the ice. No rule changes needed. If a player intentionally plows a goaltender it should be considered an attempt to injure.This is the SOLE reason we need to keep fighting in the game. The league does not enforce the game well.

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