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wprager wrote:Technically it wasn't illegal? Doesn't the distance traveled make it charging and therefore illegal? Ot is it the hit itself wasn't illegal? Citing the speed is really strange. Are they supposed to move slowly?
I think the best thing Branch could have done is also fine the team for having this guy out there -- the stats don't lie, he's out there for one reason -- intimidation. Just getting him out for a year does not send any message to the team that bullying tactics will not be tolerated.
And, yes, he did turn at the last second, but I can't believe that it's impossible to let up even a little -- at the very least don't follow through the hit by extending your arms to inflict more damage.
The distance has nothing to do with it. You have to stop your stride technically for it not to be charging... like it or not he did glide in there for the most part. You can def make an arguement it was charging but it has nothing to do with the distance travelled, and he didnt leave his feet.
Long story short, the hit wasnt that bad and if it was Taylor Hall giving it out, he might not even get a game for it. I said it before, I feel bad for the kid but that was a combination of bad luck and lack of common sense on his part. Ice hard, head important, helmet protect head.
