So why didn't Vancouver Canucks winger Raffi Torres receive a suspension for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook?
According to NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell, it wasn't a blindside hit as per the NHL's rules.
"When Rule 48 (Illegal Check to the Head) was unanimously adopted by the general managers in March, 2010, there was no intention to make this type of shoulder hit to the head illegal," Campbell said.
"In fact, at that time, we distributed a video to all players and teams that showed a similar hit on a defenceman by an attacking forward coming from the opposite direction behind the net and stated that this is a 'legal play.'
"This hit meets none of the criteria that would subject Torres to supplemental discipline, including an application of Rule 48: He did not charge his opponent or leave his feet to deliver this check. He did not deliver an elbow or extended forearm and this hit was not 'late.' "
In other words, as a few of us mentioned earlier today, hits to the head remain legal in the NHL.
For those who want this hit out of the league, the push should be for a change to the current rules, because as it's written, the NHL's head shot rule fails to eliminate many, many blows to the head. By my count, there were only five suspensions and two fines given out under Rule 48 this year.
And behind the net remains a very dangerous place to be skating.