Quote:
"Edler does not hit Hertl squarely," said NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan in a video explaining the suspension. "He cuts across the front of Hertl, making the head the main point of contact."
Shanahan also said although Hertl had made himself vulnerable by reaching for the puck, he was not to blame for the check to the head.
"Although Hertl is leaning forward, the position of his head does not materially change immediately prior to, or simultaneous with the hit that significantly contributes to this head contact," said Shanahan. "Aside from his helmet popping up into the air, Hertl's reaction to this hit -- getting spun rather than getting driven into the direction Edler was travelling -- reaffirms our view that his head is the main point of contact."
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1. So Shanny is saying Edler cut infront of Hertl, and not Hertl cutting back to avoid getting pasted.
2. Shanny acknowledges that Hertl put himself into a vulnerable position.
3. The whole business about getting spun on the hit, well yeah had Hertl not changed up his speed/direction, he would have been pasted, see #1. Edler was in no position to stop, change direction, anything. He just glided, braced, and looked like an idiot for running into the board.
4. I don't think anybody doubts the head is the main point of contact. Question is who caused this contact? Not much of a question IMO, but feel free to call me a homer.