Chara hit yet another overblown NHL incident

By Jesse Reynolds

A loose puck, a battle along the boards, and then a rub out.

A hockey play.

A scandal?

This week’s hockey hysteria — seemingly constant in a season full of ‘incidents’ — centers on Zdeno Chara, who rode Max Pacioretty into the stanchion at the Bell Centre in a recent Boston-Montreal game. As a result of the hit, the Canadiens’ player has a concussion and a fractured vertebrae in his neck — a serious injury; there’s no argument there. Hopefully Pacioretty will be back on his feet and ready to play again soon.

The real problem here is not anyone directly related to the incident, or to the NHL.

As is often the case, it’s the people who never really have anything to say about the sport until something unfortunate happens. This week’s incident, not surprisingly, has prompted people who know very little about hockey to speak their minds and make total asses of themselves.

The only opinions that matter here are those of the players, teams and officials involved, the league, hockey insiders in the media, and (naturally!) mine.

When I want a knowledgeable opinion about something related to hockey, it doesn’t come to mind to ask an airline, the police, or the Prime Minister.

Maybe just once, the mouth-running naysayers could bite their tongues, let it go and spare our fair sport their meaningless drivel. Obviously not the case this time around, and for that my keyboard is now the beneficiary of my frustration.

Let’s think about the hit for a second.

At the time it occurred, Boston was clearly losing the game (which ended 4-0 in Montreal’s favour). Pacioretty had been a thorn in the side of the Bruins all night. He was racing Chara for a puck, and the big defender angled him out and into the boards — a standard defensive play.

“Experts” who have no doubt seen nothing but a five-second clip of the hit, or at best highlights of the game, will determine that it was a vicious attack and that Chara fully intended it. Whether or not he did intend it is subjective (he claims he didn’t), but as far as instant replay is concerned, this was a common hockey play.

What made it an incident was where it took place on the ice. Among hockey players, the padded stanchion between the teams’ benches and the glass has always been known as a dangerous spot to find yourself on the end of a body check. But every so often there you are, headed right toward it with nothing to do but brace yourself.

When a player takes a clean hit and suffers a serious injury, it’s unfortunate. Hitting is not a part of hockey so that players can injure each other; it is a way to defend, to dispossess an opponent of the puck, and to swing the emotional momentum in your team’s favor. If a hit (as in this case) doesn’t break any rules, it doesn’t merit a suspension.

Frankly, the five-minute major for interference (giggle) and game misconduct issued to Chara on the play was more than adequate punishment. And despite pressure from outside sources, the NHL is standing firm on their decision — good on them. They’ve been suspending players for dangerous hits all season, controlling the issue well. But it can’t get out of hand.

As for the voices of concern, best to pick them apart one at a time.

Montreal Canadiens

In the past few days, reports say that the Canadiens feel ‘helpless’ because of the lack of disciplinary action.

I’m sorry guys, aren’t you professional hockey players? What have you been doing your entire lives? That’s right, take his number and remember him next time. Get him back with a nice clean hit. (Note: Don’t pull a Bertuzzi)

Pacioretty says he is ‘disgusted’ that there is no suspension. If I were him, I would be too. But the mark of a true sportsman would be to understand why they made the decision and agree with it. A lot of players have had their careers jeopardized by big, clean hits. It’s a part of the game — ask Eric Lindros and Alyn MacCauley about it.

Air Canada

Is this a publicity stunt? I understand that they’re a major sponsor, I really do. But at what point did they get the idea that they could use their sponsorship dollars as weight in the league’s decisions? Gary Bettman stated that if they didn’t like it, they could take their dollars elsewhere. I thought I’d never say this about Bettman, but here it is… well played, Mr. Commissioner.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper

He says he’s concerned about the number of serious injuries in recent times and that the league should take care of this for its own good.

Honestly, who isn’t concerned about serious injuries? Suspending Chara on this occasion is not going to curb the number of players hurt by body checks. The NHL is keeping its focus on dangerous checks and headshots where there is intent to injure — truly illegal hits.

Also, the only time I ever saw the PM at a hockey game, he was wearing a Senators jersey. That’s all the information I need to classify him as someone who knows nothing about hockey. Thanks, but no thanks Mr. Harper. Why don’t you stick to reviving the economy and making lame TV spots?

Montreal Police

As if this body check hasn’t already turned into enough of a sideshow, the police are investigating whether the incident merits criminal prosecution.

I am embarrassed for them. Come on, guys. Let’s just admit that a bunch of Habs fans down at the precinct got together, lost their minds, and decided this was a good idea.

 

Bottom line, nobody likes to see anyone get injured. If the play had resulted in nothing but a big hit, and Pacioretty had gotten right back up, you can bet the Canadiens would be after Chara and it would have put a huge jolt of adrenaline into an already tense match-up.

That’s hockey. Take it or leave it.

EDIT (March 12): Came across this today. Very similar incident at the Bell Centre — a player (John Sim) is sent flying headfirst into the stanchion by Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman Hal Gill. The fans cheer, Sim gets back up, and the game continues outrage-free.

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