In case you didn’t see it on Saturday afternoon, it looks like Denis Gauthier might not be playing hockey for awhile.
In one single illegal hit, he was able to elbow, board, rough, and charge an opponent all while delivering a shot to the head. The NHL’s officials have been told that any hit to the head should not be tolerated and the league will take swift and harsh action against any violators. Not exactly a good sign for The Goat.
Gauthier will have two more things going against him when he meets with Colin Campbell in regards to his hit on Josh Gorges. First, he hit a Canadien in Montreal on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada. It shouldn’t matter, but the entire country saw it– he’ll receive a much harsher punishment than if it was on a Wednesday night against Phoenix on Fox Sports Arizona.
Punching somone in the face: OK. Flying elbows to the face: Not OK.
Secondly, and much more of a concern for the player as well as the NHL, is that Denis Gauthier is a repeat offender. On more than one occasion he’s led with an elbow, boarded an opponent when they cannot protect themselves and been suspended accordingly. The NHL’s Director of Hockey Operations has shown time and time again that repeat offenders receive stricter penalties (unless the guilty party is named Chris Pronger).
Critics around the league have complained that the NHL’s suspension policy regarding head-shots has been nothing more than a joke in recent years. Since this incident had such high visibility, I fear that Colin Campbell and Co. will make an example out of this situation. Honestly, while unfair to Gauthier, it would be good for the NHL to use this incident as a springboard to justify longer suspensions.
A two game suspension would be in line with what has been handed out this season. A five game suspension would take his history into account. But with an announcer on Hockey Night in Canada already clamoring for a 10-20 game suspension, I’d expect this punishment to be on the severe side. It doesn’t sound like I’m alone.
