Suggestion to the NHL

Posted 8:23 PM ET | Comments 6

After watching the NHL playoffs, I am seeing a disturbing trend that is rewarding players for unsportsmanlike conduct. This trend is players fabricating penalties. This is just as bad as players diving. During game 2 in Pittsburgh, there were 2 blatant unsportsmanlike plays performed by Pittsburgh players that lead directly to powerplays. The first call was a high sticking call by Luca Sbisa. The Pittsburgh player's head whipped back like he was hit in the face with a glove and stick. 2 minutes for high sticking. Until you watch the play in slow motion. There was no, zero contact to the players face. During the 3rd period Jordan Staal grabbed Jeff Carter's stick, pulled it up to a position that appeared to be a hook by Carter.

I realize that at full speed these moves are almost virtually impossible to detect however I have a solution. The NHL should review all calls and players that are deemed to have fabricated calls and produce a report. This report should be published so that all involved (players, coaches, media, referees) know what players are fabricated. This would separate a player like Sidney Crosby (who draws alot of fouls by out working the defender) and a hack that grabs a stick and fabricates a hook. The league could then fine and suspend players that make a habit of this fabrication.

Also TV broadcasters have to stop praising these players for "drawing a penalty" when none actually existed. These dishonorable plays should not rewarded. Players that continue to work and are fouled should be the ones that are rewarded, not the best actors.

Filed Under: NHL Playoffs Penalties

MrBigglesworth

April 19, 2009 8:40 PM ET | Delete
You are missing a very important point. Some players have dignity, and others will do whatever it takes to win...it all stems from your teams core leadership. In Philly the Captain is Richards, grassroots hard working and well respected. In Pitt its Crosby, a superstar who unfortunately has been known for diving thruout his career, and even told by his own players like when Jagr told Cros to stay on his feet and stop diving.

Phigment

April 19, 2009 9:36 PM ET | Delete
It is not about what team of type of player. Sidney is a bit of a diver, however he draws alot of penalties the right way. He skates hard and forces the defender to foul to stop him.

BryanM

April 19, 2009 9:36 PM ET | Delete
Bigglesworth...Jagr NEVER played for Pittsburgh when Crosby was there. He sold out to the Rangers in 2001, Crosby wasn't even drafted yet.As for the report idea: I love it. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think this review process is already in place. I know they have a listing system for "known divers" but it would be interesting to see it expanded to catching all "dishonorable plays" to use your words.

MBFlyerfan

April 19, 2009 10:45 PM ET | Delete
Timo drew a penalty doing the same thing today.

flyler

April 20, 2009 11:26 AM ET | Delete
Yeah, Malkin's face was totally worth it though.

Flames in 6 04

April 20, 2009 1:47 PM ET | Delete
Agreed. I am so sick of a player feeling a stick hit them in the shins and they fall down like they've been shot. Another thing that drives me nuts is when a player brings his stick up while chasing and the player being chased grabs it and its called a hooking penalty. Anyone who has played knows it's next to impossible to keep your stick on the ice at all times particularily when your trying to catch up to a guy.

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