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Awaiting word on possible Hossa suspension

Image (1) Hossa-thumb-250x166-10201.jpg for post 1209

I’m not going to get into another big debate over the Marian Hossa hit, although I’m not so certain it’s exactly like the Alex Ovechkin on Brian Campbell hit. They’re certainly going to draw comparisons, as it was a hit from behind that sent Dan Hamhuis awkwardly into the boards.

To me, it’s not a clear cut as bad as the Ovechkin hit, as he had both arms clearly on Campbell’s back before shoving forward. Hossa basically but an extended arm push into the side of Hamhuis. It was dangerous, it was reckless and it was unfortunate, but was it dirty and was it suspension-worthy? Doubtful.

Of course, the fact that Hamhuis was not injured and Campbell was makes these two plays separate as well in the eyes of the NHL. Some asked why Hossa wasn’t given a game misconduct; simply because Hamhuis wasn’t injured and Campbell was at the time.

Per the Chicago Tribune, Marian Hossa says it was just an accident:

“I tried to go for the puck,” Hossa said. “The guy turned his back to me. You don’t want to hit a player that way, but I couldn’t stop my motion.”

Of course, Barry Trotz calls it similar to the Campbell hit. He also says that the NHL has been fair in their past decisions; I’m don’t know if he’s being sincere or just speaking the company line.