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NHL explanation on Dwight King’s hit: Officials “didn’t deem it violent enough for a major”

Dwight King, Kevin Shattenkirk

Los Angeles Kings’ Dwight King, front, is checked into the boards by St. Louis Blues’ Kevin Shattenkirk during the third period of Game 1 in a second-round NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series, Saturday, April 28, 2012, in St. Louis. The Kings won 3-1. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

AP

Last night’s Game 1 between the Blues and Kings wasn’t without controversy as L.A.'s Dwight King hit St. Louis’ Alex Pietrangelo from behind on a play many felt was worthy of a five-minute major. Pietrangelo left the game with an apparent head injury and may not be able to play in Game 2.

The NHL offered up an explanation as to what referees Stephen Walkom and Eric Furlatt saw on the play and chances are Blues fans aren’t going to like hearing it.

NHL supervisor for officiating in the Blues-Kings series Kay Whitmore says that the referees didn’t initially deem the hit to be violent enough to warrant a major penalty. As for what happened when Pietrangelo was cut and bleeding from the hit, Whitmore says had officials seen it, things would’ve been different.

“There was no visible blood. If it was running down his forehead or his cheek, it’s automatic. It’s a major game-misconduct. In this instance, they didn’t see it initially right away. They didn’t see the blood running down his chin, in his beard ... one of those things.”

As for supplementary discipline, Whitmore says Brendan Shanahan’s office reviews everything and if they believe action should be taken, they’ll do it. If you missed the play, have another look at it here in last night’s highlights.