Nick Seeler hit Bathan Bastian and I can see why the NHL today would deem this clean. The blame is placed squarely on Bastian to be more aware, but to me there’s still a degree of avoidability here that’s getting harder and harder to justify accepting.
@Philadelphia Flyers
5 Comments
Is there a point somewhere between him and Chara where it's too difficult to get that low? I legitimately don't know how reasonable that is or isn't to ask of a player.
Regardless of how you feel about the hit (and I think its borderline), Bastian is guilty of crossing the blue line and then admiring his pass. Just look at the slow-mo replay. He's looking cross ice and has no idea the defenseman is there. He doesnt even try to protect himself (getting his hands up or altering his skating direction).
One edit to add … I do think DoPS needs to take a closer look at checkers "exploding" upwards into hits. Would be way better just to tuck in low and go right though the other players center of gravity. That said if you follow that protocol, what you leave yourself open to , as the checker , your head/face hitting your opponents helmet/face. This is one reason (of several) you don't see as many massive blow up tackles in rugby as you do the NFL … you're just as likely to injure yourself as your opponent. I think if the league cracks down on overly large equipment you'll see less of these kinds of big hits.
This is my favorite meme account. Just the absolute worst takes imaginable. Keep up the good work. Always a good laugh
this reminds me of the hit on knies earlier this season where there was a lot of head contact but since the head was not the principal point of contact there was no penalty. I agree with u that I think if the head contact is avoidable even if its not the main point of contact that it should be illegal
Pretty sure someone in Philly just threw a battery at you. Maybe hasn’t made it to Alberta yet…