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Blackhawks, Canucks react to Keith elbowing Sedin

Corey Crawford

Vancouver Canucks’ Alex Burrows, slides into Chicago Blackhawks’ goaltender Corey Crawford after being tripped by Chicago Blackhawks’ Duncan Keith during the third period of game 7 of an NHL Western Conference quarterfinal Stanley Cup playoff hockey series in Vancouver, British Colombia on Tuesday April 26, 2011.(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

AP

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is saying the right things about his controversial elbow on Daniel Sedin. Keith said that he wasn’t trying to hurt Sedin, providing this explanation to Adam Jahns.

“The puck was up in the air from what I remember and I’m trying to close my gap and have a good gap on him,” Keith said. “Right at the last second, he moves forward. I don’t know where the puck is. It’s fast. Like I said, I hope he’s OK. I need to see the replay. I need to see it again.”

Here’s video of the offending hit, which also includes a check by Sedin from earlier in the game, one many believe inspired Keith’s actions. (Keith, curiously, didn’t remember that blow properly either - he might not be the kind of guy you want as an eyewitness, by the way.)

While Keith’s revisionist history might need some polishing, the Canucks’ anger is quite focused. Alain Vigneault thought the elbow was major penalty material while Henrik Sedin was reportedly “livid” about the hit. (Their complaints carry extra anger because Chicago won 2-1 in overtime.)

Jahns passes along something that could get blown out of proportion: Henrik said that Keith “made comments” before the elbow.

jahnsTweet

James

Either way, Keith created quite a mess for himself - and likely some unwanted extra attention in future games.