We've seen our fair share of hits on goalies, other players, and the like. Most of the time, they've resulted in fines and suspensions. How about the Bruins' Milan Lucic's hit on Buffalo goaltender and US Olympic hero Ryan Miller?
The NHL came out today saying it will not suspend Lucic for his collision wih Miller in the Bruins' 6-2 win on Saturday at the TD Garden.
Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli issued this statement: "We are satisfied with the NHL's announcement that there will be no suspension or fine for Milan, and we respect the process that the League took to reach this decision.
At practice on Monday, Lucic spoke about the situation and said that he had no intent to injure Miller on the play.
Miller did not take light to the hit as he verbally attacked Lucic after the game. "I just want to say what a piece of (expletive) I think Lucic is. Fifty pounds on me, and he runs me like that. It's unbelievable. Everyone in this city sees him as a big, tough, solid player. I respected him for how hard he played. That was gutless. Gutless piece of (expletive)." Whoa. That's pretty intense, isn't it?
Well, guess what? Miller has a concussion and will be out for a couple weeks, which is bad news for a Sabres team that actually looks like it could go to the Stanley Cup Finals this year. Unfortunately, that might be hard to do now that Miller is not there.
Here's the real question: Does Lucic deserve a suspension? Is it justified? No. He didn't mean to knock him out. I mean, he's right outside the goalmouth. If you want to step outside that, you need to be prepared to suffer some beating. You're a different player when you step outside that crease. Here's something that surprised me: The fact that no Sabres player went out and defended him that much. They didn't show Boston "Hey, don't mess with our goaltender." That's what you do when someone attacks your goaltender. You got after the guys and maybe get in a fight or two. At least that's what I've seen when an opposing player takes out a goaltender.
Well, so long for a while, Ryan Miller and it looks like the Sabres might have a tough road ahead. And for Milan Lucic, lucky you got away with one, but next time, Brendan Shanahan might come down hard on you. As for hockey, the sport goes on, puckheads.
Here's the clip of the hit from Saturday's game:
Bruins are a poor sports - they get away with breaking backs(Chara/breaking Mason Raymond's back).
ReplyDeleteNow this incident - Lucic shoving Miller-if Miller would have got a concussion - what then-a 4 minute penalty for Lucic. I am embarrassed to say Lucic is Canadian.The Boston Bullies- they should be in the UFC - not the NHL.