Donald Brashear Hits Blair Betts
April 26, 2009 by Tyler
Filed under Hockey Videos
In Game 6 of the Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers series, Donald Brashear dressed and even had a small altercation with Colton Orr prior to the game. Brashear dressed for the Capitals, while Orr did not suit up for the game.
Blair Betts collected the puck at near the red line and dumped it in to the Washington zone. As Betts turned to go to the Ranger bench for change, Brashear caught him with a late hit (it may have also been an elbow - you be the judge).
A scrum ensued where Paul Mara and Brashear tied up near the bench, both receiving two minute minor penalties for roughing.
The officials issued no penalty for the hit by Brashear on Betts.
Assuming that the league reviews the incident, and they should as Betts has not returned to the game, Brashear’s several previous suspensions should play a factor into any sanction the league may hand down.
Update April 27/09:
The National Hockey League assessed the situation and handed Brashear a totla of six games. Brashear received a one game suspension for initiating contact with Colton Orr prior to the game and five additional games for the hit on Blair Betts. The following is the rationale behind the decision:
“Brashear delivered a shoulder hit to an unsuspecting player,” said Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell in a release. ”It is also my opinion that the hit was delivered late and targeted the head of his opponent, causing significant injury.”
Glove tap to Kukla’s Korner for the video link.
Burgundy on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 3:38 pm
Disclosure: I’m a fan of the Capitals. I know Rangers fans feel they’ve had unfair calls against them, etc…
I think Brashear went after Betts on purpose. Betts is one of the Rangers strongest center’s and taking him out like that, only helps Washington’s chances on faceoffs and puck possession time and of course, winning.
I don’t think it was random at all.
Tyler on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 4:02 pm
Classy,
I wouldn’t say Brashear was targeting Betts, but I agree he took the opportunity that presented itself to take out one of the Rangers’ best Centermen.
Levi on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 7:07 pm
That was extremely dirty and deserved a penalty. How could the officials be so blind not to see that?
For all the talk about how dirty Avery is and everyone calling for him to be benched, a moment like this is why he needs to be dressed for the Rangers. You think Avery would let someone do that to his teammate? I don’t think so.
Levi on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 7:10 pm
I stand corrected, didn’t realize this was today’s game. Thought it was Friday’s game. Why didn’t Avery do anything? That’s his job!
Mother Pucker Hockey on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 7:15 pm
That was a brutal hit.
joe on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 7:18 pm
he started from behind, was late, then threw the elbow. the effect ?? the best face-off man, best penalty killler, strongest center and anchor of a very effective checking line gone for the game and probably series. the reshuffling of the lines as a consequence just didn’t work.
Tim on Mon, 27th Apr 2009 9:56 am
I am a caps fan, but also I have been a ref for a long time. I believe the hit was dirty, as you can see Brashear trying to get the person who hit him, then failing that, turning to the nearest ranger to hit. I don’t think it was as calculated to take out a face off man as I have heard some say, nor, if you watch was it an illegal hit on anything but intent. He only takes 2 steps and leads with the shoulder. That said, I believe he should be suspended for this game as it was a play designed to send a message. Although when Avery hit Varley the league didn’t sanction him… perhaps that played a role in this?
SugarAndSpiceExceptOnIce on Tue, 28th Apr 2009 8:51 am
Colin Campbell said that “Brashear delivered a shoulder hit to an unsuspecting player,”. Though I believe the hit was dirty, the fact that Bettes was unsuspecting of it has no bearing. You have to play with your head up, you learn that from the day you put skates on. I’m not condoning Brashear’s crap at all, just pointing out that what Campbell said makes hockey sound like a wussy sport.