NICKALAS BACKSTROM AND PLAYOFF SUSPENSIONS

The NHL playoffs are off to a rough start.  In 22 playoff games, the NHL has issued 3 suspensions with more likely on the way (videos below).  The most recent incident featured Nickalas Backstrom and Rick Peverley at the end of game three in the Boston/Washington series.  Backstrom was assessed a match penalty for a cross check aimed at the upper body of Peverley.  Rule 21.1 states “a match penalty shall be imposed on any player who deliberately attempts to injure or who deliberately injures an opponent in any manner.”  I am in the minority but I think this was an absurd call.  A match penalty should be reserved for the worst infractions.  Backstrom’s cross check isn’t in the top ten dirtiest plays of this year's playoffs.  Was Backstrom trying to injure Peverley? NO! He was standing up for his teammate.

I’ve read a handful of articles regarding the fate of Backstrom.  I took particular offense to an article written by the TheScore.com.  The writer compares Pittsburgh’s Aaron Asham’s match penalty to Backstrom’s.   

Here are the two biggest absurdities:

“On the surface, the two cross checks bear a striking similarity, with the main difference being the quality of the player doing the cross checking”

“It seems to me that Backstrom’s cross check is actually delivered with more force than Asham’s”

Are you kidding me?  Asham is skating towards Schenn, while Backstrom is standing flat footed.  How could Backstrom’s cross check be delivered with more force?   Backstrom uses his arms rather than skating full speed into the grill of the opponent.  Asham’s cross check is trying to take out Shenn’s few remaining teeth.  While, Backstrom’s cross check went high only after his stick first hits Peverley’s arm and shoulder.  These two plays are completely separate instances with a huge disparity in intent and severity.  The articles states the major difference being the skill of the players involved, however, more importantly the league has changed their sentiment on physical play since the weekend.  Referees were likely given strict instruction from the league to call a tight game.  Shanahan is in full-fledged recovery mode after not suspending Shea Weber and it looks like the Capitals will pay the price.  Shanahan should right this wrong, if not, it will likely result in the end of the Capitals season.

DET-NAS: Shea Weber slams Zetterberg head into boards resulting in a $2,500 fine.

NYR-OTT: Matt Carkner sucker punches Brian Boyle resulting in one game suspension.

VAN-LA: Byron Bitz boarding major on Kyle Clifford resulting in a two game suspension




NYR-OTT: Carl Hagelin elbows Daniel Alfredsson resulting in a 3 game suspension for Hagelin and Alfredsson out indefinitely with a concussion



PIT-PHI: Aaron Asham cross-check and punch on Brayden Schenn likely resulting in a suspension



WAS-BOS: Nicklas Backstrom cross-check to Rich Peverley resulting in ???