Quote:
Originally Posted by UFO
Using all of the exact same rules you quoted, you also can't just look at the play and say "easiest suspension of the year". Kassian got his double minor in following those rules, if the refs felt it was an intent to injure they could have called a match penalty on the ice. You are responsible for your stick, yes, and Kassian got his penalty for not controlling his stick. Nowhere in the rules does it state the suspension in any way links to injury sustained by the receiving player or how long they are out for.
So the problem, as always, is consistency in suspension and justification for it. It would be borderline criminal IMO if Kessel doesn't get at least the same suspension, because he swung his stick not once, twice, but three times (in self defense after Scott was already dog-piled?) with an intent to injure, even though no injury was sustained. Players have had their legs broken on similar slashes in the past, so does Kessel get a pass because Scott has strong bones?
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I agree that consistency is lacking in suspensions and rationale, but did you not see Rule 60.6:
60.6 Fines and Suspensions - There are no specified fines or suspensions for high-sticking, however,
supplementary discipline can be applied by the Commissioner at his discretion (refer to Rule 28).
In this case, supplementary discipline was applied.
Rule 28 - Supplementary Discipline
28.1 Supplementary Discipline - In addition to the automatic fines and suspensions imposed under these rules,
the Commissioner may, at his discretion, investigate any incident that occurs in connection with any Pre-season, Exhibition, League or Playoff game
and may assess additional fines and/or suspensions for any offense committed during the course of a game or any aftermath thereof by a player, goalkeeper, Trainer, Manager, Coach or non-playing Club personnel or Club executive,
whether or not such offense has been penalized by the Referee.
As for "nowhere in the rules does it state the suspension in any way links to injury sustained by the receiving player or how long they are out for," one of the main criteria for a suspension is if the other player received an injury as a result. Watch the Shanaban video - he says the injury factored into his decision.
I don't agree with how the rules are written, but the Kassian suspension was an easy one for Shanny.
Kessell will get less if anything. No history, no injury sustained. It's a slippery slope, but that's how its been and will continue to be.