During Monday nights’ game six matchup between the Red Wings and Lightning, Niklas Kronwall caught Lightning F Nikita Kucherov coming out of his own zone in one of his signature big checks. Kronwall has largely cut back on checks like these after apparently receiving some notice about their questionable legality. Today, he got another notice about these kinds of hits in the form of a telephone hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety.
At 6:36 pm ET, the NHL Department of Player Safety announces that Niklas Kronwall will be suspended for game seven after hitting Nikita Kucherov.
Detroit’s Niklas Kronwall has been suspended one game for charging Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov. Video: http://t.co/0wf2UzzXc1
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 28, 2015
The hit was dangerous, no doubt. However, I think this is extremely brutal considering the time for Detroit, heading into a game seven. The video explains his actions as “launching” into Kucherov, and said he elevated in an unacceptable manner. I really do appreciate them explaining Kronwall’s past hits, and the difference with this one. Remember when Shea Weber slammed Henrik Zetterberg’s head into the glass in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs not too long ago? What did he get? He got a fine. So, there’s something to think about. The DoPS proves to be consistent yet again.
So.. What do you think?
