"Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards was not suspended for his pulverizing hit on Florida's...

"Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards was not suspended for his pulverizing hit on Florida's David Booth during Saturday's game because he did not leave his feet, lead with his elbow or make contact with Booth in an out-of-the-way area, NHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said on NHL Live Monday afternoon." -NHL.com

It looks to me like he led with the shoulder and followed through with the elbow, and was clearly targeting the head. Furthermore, it was delivered a tad bit late for my liking (similar to Brashear on Blair Betts in last year's playoffs). But of course, I am no fan of Philly and will do anything to rationalize my hatred for them.

What do you guys think? Dirty? Clean?

over 2 years ago ninefttall 6 comments 0 recs |

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You can only really fault Richards for blindsiding Booth. Booth wasn’t in a situation where he couldn’t reasonably expect to be hit, though. Betts was dumping and then going to change, so he didn’t expect to be cleaned out. Booth was still in the play, so he’s fair game.

To summarize, I DON’T KNNOOOOOW!

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 27, 2009 10:32 AM EDT reply actions

I actually don’t fault Richards for blindsiding Booth or think the hit was late. The hit was pretty on time and Booth was watching his pass. What I do fault Richards for is blatantly targeting Booth’s head. There is no person on earth that can convince me Richards wasn’t intentionally going high for a kill shot there.

If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...

by Rob Parker on Oct 27, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree it wasn’t late.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 27, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with that. Frankly the only difference I see between this and Brash’s hit on Betts (other than Brash’s rap sheet, which is why he got suspended) is that it wasn’t quite as late. Both players were going for a kill shot on an unsuspecting player.

Richards meant to hit him in the head and hit him hard. I’m a little unclear if there’s anything really wrong with that, either under the rules or otherwise.

by grapejoos on Oct 28, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I think you’re basically right. As far as the “anything wrong with that” comment: no there is nothing wrong with that as far as the rules of the NHL go, but as far as respecting your opponents and playing with class, there is something wrong with that. It’s a perfect example of a legal-but-dirty hit.

If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...

by Rob Parker on Oct 28, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I hate the Flyers, but it was clean in my book.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions

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