Alright, so this is the only way I saw this hit (I’m on a weekend getaway) and my reaction is mixed. These hits have been happening a lot throughout the league lately, and I’m worried about a few things. 1) If it’s within the rules of the NHL – i.e. a “clean hit” – how can one be suspended?; 2) “Hits to the head” are different in the NHL than the NFL since you can hit someone’s head despite staying on the ice, keeping your shoulder and elbow in, and not leading with any part of your body; 3) Does Richards qualify for the “star treatment” which allowed Malkin to swing a stick at Zetterberg’s head, Ovechkin to slew foot, and Briere to spear Ovechkin (while in Buffalo)?; 4) If so, will Philadelphia be singled out for “getting away” with a “dirty” play while those other players avoid such criticism? 5) If not, is this just “another dirty Philadelphia player”?

Unfortunately, this is a lose-lose. On a semi-related note, does anybody have any faith in the NHL’s disciplinary actions, regardless of the outcome of this?

While I personally don’t think he should be suspended for the hit, it’s almost a certainty that he will be. If the NHL wants to uphold their disciplinary actions on head shots, this’ll be a suspension.

I would like to refer to my earlier fanpost on the Phaneuf hit in preseason, found here
http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2009/9/21/1046607/phaneuf-preseason-hit

This is what the NHL want this is what they will get both Booth and Okposo left on stretchers, Okposo hit was in the preseason mind you and it is debatable it Phaneuf left his skates. Richards hit was clearly not an elbow and he clearly didn’t leave his skates, or go flying threw the air. I am not sure if Phaneuf even got a penalty for the is hit. I don’t like the hit but based the standards set no way should Richards be suspended or fined. This is what the NHL wants this is what they will get. Maybe it will take a Flyer to start headhunting for the NHL to change their ways.