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No discipline for Clarkson’s undisciplined play on Dubinsky

New Jersey Devils v New York Rangers

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 27: Henrik Lundqvist #30 and Brian Boyle #22 of the New York Rangers defend the net against David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2012 in New York City. The Rangers shutout the Devils 2-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Last night’s 2-0 Rangers win over the Devils was spiced up a bit thanks to New Jersey’s David Clarkson.

Late in the second period, Clarkson took a run at New York’s Brandon Dubinsky by charging him. Clarkson appeared to leave his feet and lead his hit with an elbow aimed at the head of Dubinsky. While he connected with the body, he missed with his elbow and the two threw the gloves off to fight. The thought was that Clarkson might see a suspension coming from the hit.

Not so much. Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice finds out that Clarkson won’t be suspended for the play. Gulitti says two factors played into the decision in that Clarkson didn’t make contact with Dubinsky’s head and there was no injury on the play.

You can check out how the whole scene unfolds at HockeyFights.

Seeing Clarkson leave his feet and leading with his elbow would seem to be the exact kind of hit the league and Brendan Shanahan wants to see eliminated from the game. The fact that contact to the head wasn’t made and Dubinsky wasn’t hurt shouldn’t play into Shanahan’s decision. The intent to do harm was there.